2021, Cornas, Domaine Courbis

An opulent and complex Cornas with intense flavours of black fruits, liquorice and wild herbs.

About the Winery: Domaine Courbis, established in the 16th century, is now led by brothers Laurent and Dominique. Laurent oversees winemaking, while Dominique manages the 41-hectare vineyard. Their estate includes eight hectares in Cornas, five in Saint-Joseph Blanc, and 19 in Saint-Joseph Rouge. The vines are planted on steep granite hillsides, producing high-quality wines that blend modern vinification with traditional viticulture.

Grape Variety: 100% Syrah – Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah thrives on Cornas’s sun-exposed granite slopes. Small, thick-skinned berries yield deep colour, firm yet refined tannins, and pronounced notes of violet, cracked black pepper, black olive and graphite. This grape delivers an opulent, textured palate with luscious deep black cherry flavours, subtle spice, mineral, and delicate oak notes, leading to a wine of great finesse and longevity.

Appearance: Deep purple-ruby with an opaque core and vivid rim; dense staining and slow, viscous legs reflecting concentration.

Aroma: Intense black fruits, liquorice, wild herbs, fresh mineral, and graphite notes.

Palate: An opulent, textured palate enveloped in luscious deep black cherry flavours, with subtle spice, mineral, and delicate oak notes, culminating in a long, exquisite finish.

Body: Full – This wine is described as opulent and complex, with intense flavours and a textured palate, indicating a full-bodied structure.

Acidity: Medium – The 2021 vintage is noted for its balancing freshness, suggesting a medium acidity that contributes to the wine's structure without being overly sharp.

Cellaring Potential: Long (10–20 yrs) – The 2021 vintage is characterized as an old-style vintage with beautiful ageing potential, and the wine was bottled after 18 months ageing in oak, indicating it will benefit from significant cellaring.

Perfect Pairing: Red Meat, Cheese, Poultry

Serving Temperature: 15–16°C for reds

The information on this wine is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. This information may be subject to change.