For those who like French Syrah, the villages of Cote Rotie and Hermitage have been the "go-to" regions for decades.  Wines from those northern Rhone River Valley areas are frequently excellent, but prices have become obscene.  Cornas is another village in the northern Rhone Valley that has quietly been ratcheting up the quality of their wines for a number of years, and now produces wines that are worthy of international attention.  Like it's neighboring villages, Cornas' red wines are generally 100% Syrah.

2003 is being heralded as the best year in the northern Rhone since 1978.  I was lucky enough to try the Durand Cornas from the 2003 vintage last month.  This wine has hit maturity much faster than most of the wines from Hermitage and Cote Rotie.  The wine has a saturated dark color, and a nice earthy black fruit palate with a little spice on the back.  Nice finish.  A very good wine.

Just a tad under 4 stars.  Available at the Wine Exchange in Orange County for $32.00

 

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