2021 Domaine Lionnet, Cornas, Terre Brulee

Not all Cornas is created equally. While many are powerful, tannic beasts that demand a decade in the cellar, Domaine Lionnet offers a masterclass in finesse and approachability, even in the wine's youth. Ludovic Izerable and Corrine Lionnet craft their Syrah with a minimalist's touch: organic farming, whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts, and aging in large, neutral oak. This isn't about power; it's about purity. The result is a Cornas with supple tannins and captivating aromatics that you can enjoy today and that will also reward cellaring. The 2021 vintage, a rare, cool-weather vintage, perfectly fits this style, creating one of the most charming and extraordinarily drinkable Northern Rhône Syrahs we've tasted in a long time. This is a special wine from a tiny estate, a personal favorite and a benchmark for elegant Cornas.