Expertly crafted, the Lionnet Cornas Terre Brulee 2021 demonstrates the finesse of Northern Rhône's viticulture genius. Sourced from the revered terrains of Cornas, Lyonnet's centuries-old vineyards embody an exquisite balance between tradition and innovation. This syrah's dense-purple colour heralds a powerfully rich yet refined palate - ripe red berries, liquorice undertones and subtle spice notes, underscored by an assertive tannic structure. Meticulously hand-harvested grapes followed by 18 months ageing in French oak barrels create its unique charm.

Known for biodynamic methods, Domaine Lionnet utilises organic viticulture, reflecting their respect for nature's rhythms. This approach enhances the wine’s mineral heart, producing a complexity that has secured their reputation for superior quality wines. The Lionnet Cornas Terre Brulee 2021 stands as a testament to such unwavering commitment to excellence. Experienced wine enthusiasts will relish the layers of depth this full-bodied red offers, perfectly expressing the “terroir” effect.

Hailing from France's most respected vineyard, Lionnet Cornas Pur Granit 2021 is a brilliant embodiment of the finest Syrah grape crafted by Domaine Lionnet. Renowned winemakers Ludovic and Corinne Izerable have meticulously cultivated this nectar in serpentine terrains of Cornas. The title ‘Pur Granit’ signifies the unique granite soil which profoundly influence the wine structure.

The winemaking process is environmentally friendly, adopting aggressive pruning and organic farming, adding no synthetic chemicals. The wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, lending complexity and distinction.

Lionnet Cornas Pur Granit 2021, with its deep ruby hue, offers a rich bouquet of ripe cherry, blackberry and subtle spice undertones. On the palate, it presents bold fruit flavours, finely structured tannins and a lingering finish. Exuding elegance and poise, this exquisite red wine captures the characteristic mineral edge of Cornas, making it a celebration for the connoisseurs.

Jeb Dunnuck (95)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is flat-out brilliant, and readers looking for an incredible wine that will drink well for upwards of two decades should back up the truck on this one. Incredible black cherry, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and licorice notes give way to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced, seamless 2019 with ripe tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. You could safely put this up with the crème de la crème in a blind tasting and it would do just fine. The blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 12% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, aged mostly in concrete tank, with 12% brought up in old barrels.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Cask sample. Rich soils and expression. Solid, rich and hugely friendly. Exuberant. But denser than the Greffieux.

Decanter (93)

Powerful, ripe blackberry fruit and compote. Full-bodied, with a lovely sense of freshness and power on the textured palate that displays fresh herbs. This will both age and drink well young. Grown on Kaolin soils in Larnage. All whole bunch. No pigeage, all submerged cap.

Wine Advocate (90)

The 2009 Hermitage (which comes from Sorrel’s three parcels in Les Bessards, Les Greffieux and Les Plantiers) possesses supple tannin along with lots of red and black fruit, licorice, acacia flower and camphor characteristics. Full-bodied, with good acidity and a forward style, it begs for consumption over the next 12-15 years.

Wine Advocate (90)

The 2009 Hermitage (which comes from Sorrel’s three parcels in Les Bessards, Les Greffieux and Les Plantiers) possesses supple tannin along with lots of red and black fruit, licorice, acacia flower and camphor characteristics. Full-bodied, with good acidity and a forward style, it begs for consumption over the next 12-15 years.

Jancis Robinson (17+)

Strong perfume and baked fruits on the nose. Impressive density and weight on the palate, though there is perhaps a quicker finish than might be expected. Perhaps this will develop with age? The tannin may be high, but there is a finely ground feel to it that is surprisingly accessible.

Vinous (93)

Dark violet. Assertive aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry liqueur and violet take on olive and incense nuances with air. Juicy, focused and lively on the palate, offering an array of red and blue fruit, floral pastille and spice flavors that slowly deepen as the wine opens up. A long, spice- and mineral-driven finish features fine-grained tannins and resonating floral and spice notes.

Vinous (94)

Saturated ruby. Expressive blackberry and cherry compote scents are complemented by hints of exotic spices, smoked meat and olive. Round and fleshy but energetic as well, offering intense black and blue fruit and spicecake flavors that are underscored by a core of juicy acidity. A smoky bacon note lingers on the youthfully tannic finish, which shows strong, spice- and mineral-driven persistence.

Vinous (94)

Saturated ruby. Expressive blackberry and cherry compote scents are complemented by hints of exotic spices, smoked meat and olive. Round and fleshy but energetic as well, offering intense black and blue fruit and spicecake flavors that are underscored by a core of juicy acidity. A smoky bacon note lingers on the youthfully tannic finish, which shows strong, spice- and mineral-driven persistence.

Vinous (94)

Dark, vivid ruby. An expansive bouquet displays scents of ripe red and blue fruits, cola and candied violet, along with exotic spice and smoked meat accents. Smooth and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy black raspberry, kirsch, boysenberry and licorice flavors that are sharpened by a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper. Rich yet energetic as well, finishing appealingly sweet and long, with steadily building tannins and repeating smokiness.

Vinous (94)

Dark, vivid ruby. An expansive bouquet displays scents of ripe red and blue fruits, cola and candied violet, along with exotic spice and smoked meat accents. Smooth and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy black raspberry, kirsch, boysenberry and licorice flavors that are sharpened by a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper. Rich yet energetic as well, finishing appealingly sweet and long, with steadily building tannins and repeating smokiness.

Vinous (95)

Inky violet color. Juicy red and blue fruit preserve aromas are complemented by suave floral and exotic spice flourishes. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy cherry, blueberry, fruitcake, candied violet and salty olive flavors and a suggestion of star anise. Round, even tannins build steadily through the impressively long finish, which strongly echoes the floral and spice notes.

Wine Advocate (95)

Rhône enthusiasts know how good the 2022 vintage is chez Sorrel, and the 2022 Hermitage is a superb rendition. Unfurling from the glass with aromas of violets, blackberries, smoke, spices, bay leaf and cedar, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and textured with structured yet delicate tannins with a fleshy texture that's refined, pure and mineral.