Shay A

9.5

Opened for a buddy’s birthday, alongside a 2005 Tatty Comtes, 2015 Cristal, 2018 Realm Falstaff and 2023 Kobayashi M/R.

I still remember my first Allemand seven years ago and how it immediately reeled me in and every bottle since has been the exact same. The rusticity and feral nature of Cornas is why for me, as a Syrah fanboy, it’s the best and most pure region for this wonderful grape.

Removed cork about an hour before pouring. Initial notes of olive, black pepper spice and herbs, some smoked meat and a brief blood-orange citrus aromatic. Deep red/black in the glass. There’s a layer of brett (low level, adds to the intrigue, doesn’t detract) and lavender bouquet before peppered strip, herbs, raspberries and blackberries, and a sanguine tang hit the palate. Not sure of whole cluster use here but seems there’s a little bit (which I love). Wild but civilized. Medium-plus bodied with beautiful acidity and plenty of tannin for this to cruise years. On the early side, but these are so hard to resist in every phase.

I wish I could drink this every day. I need to find a wine of similar style at a better price point. — 3 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Perfumed nose that is floral & silky showing dark fruits, smoked meat, olive, pepper, licorice, graphite & violets — a month ago

romo

9.4

Can this get better? Difficult to imagine but not implausible. — 23 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2023 pours a ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with an explosion of smoked blackberry pie, purple flowers, bacon fat, olive, black pepper, and subtle warm spices. On the palate the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose however, the wine finishes much more elegant than the nose would suggest. The bouquet might lead one to think this is possibly over the top. However, on the palate, it was far more elegant. Another vintage, another stunning Gonon. Drink now through 2043. — 15 days ago

Michael Dierberg

9.3

Still dark and strong tannin but great nose and should develop elegance with time — 4 days ago

with JiaMin

Jason Gelman

9.6

First opportunity to try Chave’s Hermitage - 2003 vintage. Decanted for 2 hours. Absolutely beautiful wine. — 22 days ago

David Koenen

9.1

Open knit. Juicy blackberry, cherry and plum fruit, accompanied by floral violets. Impressive for the buck. — 6 days ago

Paul Masson

9.0

Nose is typical Clape, palate is a little thin and austere, in line with the 11.5% abv, but still a good companion for food and friends. — 23 days ago

James Everhart

9.0

Good northern rhone. 2015 vintage mature in 2025. $35. — 10 days ago

Andy@andyberke.com

9.0

Incredibly smoky. Nice finish — 4 days ago