Equis Cornas 2020 This Cornas is drawn from the vines of a grower the Graillot family has known for decades. There are three parcels: 25% is from a 20-year-old site on the slopes of the great Cornas lieu-dit Les Chaillots; La Sabarotte (with 35-year-old vines) contributes another 25%; and La Côte (80- to 90-year-old vines, on a 50% gradient) makes up the other half. All are on hillsides where the soils are very rich in granite. The vines have always been organically managed by the owner/grower, Elie Bancel—one of the great characters of the Rhône. Although it is made from purchased fruit, Max and Thomas are quick to point out that they could not manage the vines any better themselves! They also retain the final say as to when the grapes are harvested and send their own team in to do the picking. The wine is crafted à la Lises Crozes, save for the addition of a few used 600-litre casks. The bunch component is similarly around 25% (depending on the vintage), and the wine is released with an additional year of age (bottled unfiltered). Shiny dark red robe; has an elegantly filled nose, crystalline red fruits carrying appeal. The palate opens with aromatic-floral tones, flows smoothly, quality gras central to it. There’s great style to this, it’s very stylish, parades the finesse of Cornas, is Burgundian in its balance and freshness.
