Thierry Allemand Cornas ‘Reynard’ 2021

In Cornas, Thierry Allemand has gone from outsider to icon. A former electrician who taught himself viticulture, he painstakingly restored abandoned terraces in the 1980s, working them by hand when few believed in the appellations potential, nor could be bothered to commit to the back-breaking work required! Today he is seen as one of the Rhnes greatest vignerons, crafting Syrah that balances Cornas traditional power with striking finesse. Reynard comes from old vines (6090 years) on granite soils at the heart of Cornas. Farmed organically and harvested by hand, the fruit is fermented with whole clusters, native yeasts and gentle extraction, before ageing in old barrels. The 2021 is vivid and profound: dark blackberry and cassis mingle with smoked meat, olive tapenade, violets and a savoury mineral edge. The palate is dense yet graceful, with muscular tannins wrapped in haunting perfume. This is Cornas at its most soulful a wine of depth, authenticity and long life. Cellar for 2030 years, or decant well in advance to glimpse its complexity now.