Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Smoke-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, candied violet and game, along with licorice, olive and camphor notes in the background. Sappy boysenberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors are underscored by a vein of dusty minerality and pick up a salty quality with aeration. The game and licorice notes drive a long, juicy finish framed by firm, building tannins. (JR) - VM
VM91April 2018
More layered and textured (as well as fun to drink) than the 2014, the 2015 Cornas from Juge is a beautiful wine that speaks to this classic estate as well as to this great vintage. Textbook black raspberry, gamey meats, tapenade, and bacon fat nuances all emerge from this full-bodied, silky, expansive beauty that has well-integrated acidity, sweet tannin, and a great finish. Picking up more and more violet and pepper characteristics with time in the glass, it offers tremendous pleasure today yet promises to keep for another 15 years. I believe this could be the last vintage release by Monsieur Juge, and if so, it's a fitting tribute to a gentleman. - JD
JD93January 2018