This cuvée is only bottled in top vintages. Since there is no 2016—and it's undecided if the 2017 will be bottled separately—Laure Colombo graciously opened the 2007 Cornas Vallon de l'Aigle, the very first vintage bottled. This full-bodied beauty is meaty, savory and rich, marked by ripe, plummy fruit and mocha shadings, while the finish is velvety and long, loaded with umami and spice. Well-stored bottles should continue to drink well for another 6-7 years.

This has lots of range, with crushed plum, braised fig and mulled blackberry fruit flavors all mingling with spice, red licorice and sweet tapenade notes. The long, driven finish shows the chalky side of the appellation, without being overly severe. Very impressive. Formerly the Force One bottling. Drink now through 2018. 83 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add