Even more impressive, the 2003 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines is up with the creme de la creme of the vintage. Coming from a single plot of 100-year-old Syrah vines and all granite soils, it boasts thrilling notions of blackberry, crushed rock, plum, licorice and grilled herb aromas and flavors that continue to evolve and change in the glass. Notably more youthful than the Vieilles Vignes, this full-bodied Cornas has superb definition and focus, serious concentration and a blockbuster finish that keeps you pouring another glass. It will have another 10-12 years of longevity and should not be missed!

Produced from 100 plus-year Syrah vines planted on pure granite, the 2003 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines is a candidate for Cornas of the vintage. While extremely backward and more austere than the Vieilles Vignes cuvee, it possesses remarkable freshness and vigor as well as a dense ruby/purple color, and an extraordinary nose of acacia flowers, melted licorice, plums, blackberries, and truffles. The wine is deep, full-bodied, relatively high in tannin, and exceptionally lively and well-defined. Give it 3-5 years of bottle age, and consume it over the following 15 or more years. It is a potential legend in the making. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 448-9463

Ripe, with lots of plum, fig and raspberry compote notes up front, followed by notes of tobacco and flashy mocha. Tight on the finish for now, but the tannins are well-rounded and the layers of fruit and terroir are deep. Best from 2007 through 2015. 275 cases made, 60 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add

From miniscule yields and the product of an outrageously hot, dry summer, this wine still shows some spice, but also jammier cherry and raspberry notes. Syrupy, jammy fruit dominates, but this wine doesn't lack for structure. Give it another 10 years in the cellar and its terroir will be more obvious.——J.C.(9/1/2007)—— 92