The 2021 Cornas Chapelle Saint-Pierre is the third rendition of this cuvée, following 2016 and 2018. Vinified from fully destemmed grapes grown on up to 35-year-old vines, it saw no new oak. Pronounced sour cherry and blackberry notes rise up from the glass. Wafts of pencil shavings and iodine add ferrous complexity. Medium-bodied at most, this is a polished and refreshing Cornas that won’t demand much time before coming around. Readers should note that no 2022 will be produced.

By Nicolas Greinacher October 2023