Johann Michel, Cornas Mere Michel

Johann Michel, Cornas Mere MichelShades of crushed granite, cacao and leather lend earthen, savory complexities to this gorgeously raw, rustic Cornas. Black plum and cherry flavors are ripe and concentrated, edged by firm, fiery tannins. It needs a bit of time to soften and meld but should improve well through 2037. Anna Lee C. Iijima

to put it mildly

as I witnessed firsthand over the time I followed it

There is outstanding volume to the rich and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess focused power on the beautifully long and sappy mineral-infused finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity

albeit at the price of extremely low yields

) since 1996

spicy and overtly floral nose of black berry

9 ha parcel)

By contrast there is plenty of verve to the bigger and richer but also more evidently mineraldriven flavors that possess notably better complexity on the citrus zest-suffused finish that is markedly dry in the context of what is typical for the vintage

luxuriant red fruit toward the grippy finish

aged 17 months in American oak (35% new)

Sweet cherry

The 1995 Coutet Cuvée Madame has a less flamboyant bouquet than other vintages