As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and studying the wines of the Cornas appellation extensively. Cornas, located in the northern Rhône Valley of France, is renowned for its powerful and age-worthy red wines made from the Syrah grape. While each vintage has its own unique characteristics, there are certain years that stand out as the best in terms of quality and aging potential.
One of the greatest vintages in Cornas is 1945. This was a remarkable year, marked by ideal weather conditions and a long growing season. The resulting wines are known for their extraordinary concentration, depth, and complexity. Tasting a well-preserved bottle of 1945 Cornas is like stepping back in time, with its rich aromas of black fruits, earth, and spices, and a palate that exudes elegance and finesse.
Another exceptional vintage in Cornas is 1947. This year is often considered one of the greatest in all of the Rhône Valley, and the wines from Cornas are no exception. The 1947 Cornas wines are highly sought after for their opulence, intense flavors, and remarkable aging potential. They display a beautiful balance of ripe fruit, savory notes, and refined tannins, making them a true delight to taste and savor.
Moving forward in time, the vintages of 1985 and 1990 also deserve special mention. These years produced wines of outstanding quality, characterized by their intensity, structure, and longevity. The 1985 Cornas wines offer a wonderful combination of ripe fruit, firm tannins, and a touch of earthiness, while the 1990 vintage showcases exceptional concentration, deep flavors, and an impressive aging potential.
Stepping back even further, the 1929 vintage stands out as a true gem in the history of Cornas. This was a year of exceptional warmth and sunshine, resulting in wines of incredible power, complexity, and longevity. Tasting a well-preserved bottle of 1929 Cornas is a rare and unforgettable experience, as the wine continues to evolve and reveal new layers of flavors and aromas.
Moving closer to the present, the 1978 vintage is often regarded as one of the finest in Cornas. This year produced wines of great depth, structure, and complexity. The 1978 Cornas wines display a beautiful combination of ripe fruit, earthy undertones, and well-integrated tannins, making them a delight to drink even several decades later.
In more recent years, the grands crus of 1989 and the 2000 vintage have emerged as some of the best in Cornas. These wines showcase the potential of the appellation, with their intense fruit flavors, impressive structure, and remarkable aging potential. Tasting a bottle of 1989 or 2000 Cornas is an experience that truly highlights the excellence of this appellation.
To summarize, the best years of Cornas can be found in the vintages of 1945, 1947, 1985, 1990, 1929, 1978, 1989 grands crus, and the 2000 vintage. Each of these years has produced wines of exceptional quality, with their own unique characteristics and aging potential. Exploring the wines of these vintages is a journey through history and a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the winemakers in Cornas.