Thierry Allemand has been working the steep slopes just outside the town of Cornas since 1982

and touches of glycerine and graphite that are well-defined but persistently broody

the 2011 is likely to offer its best drinking over the next few years

5% alcohol)

Long-time winemaker Guido Rivella keeps a much lower profile

Taupenot Merme, Mazoyeres Chambertin other_regions_italy Thierry Allemand has been workingHere too there is a background application of wood that is sufficiently subtle so as to allow the expressive nose of plum, earth, wild dark berries and forest floor aromas to shine. There is real size and weight to the very solidly concentrated large scaled flavors that are supported by ripe tannins that are also unusually fine grained in the context of the appellation, all wrapped in a mouth coating, powerful and driving finish. This very firm effort