Delas : Chante-Perdrix 2018

Strong showing (tasted blind) for the 2018 Cornas Chante Perdrix, which comes from two parcels of vines—purchased fruit from mid-slope and estate fruit from the top of the appellation. A bit herbal and peppery, it also boasts ample blueberry fruit on the full-bodied palate. It's creamy and supple, with just a slight bitter edge on the finish that should be resolved by the time it goes into bottle.

Packed with bramble-laced blackberry and dark plum fruit, this bristles with energy while chalky minerality and sweet bay notes infuse the finish. Youthfully compact but very fresh nonetheless, boding well for the cellar. Best from 2022 through 2036. 1,000 cases made, 40 cases imported.

Dark-coloured in the glass. Slightly balsamic edge to the blackberry coulis fruit, it's very ripe and juicy. Rounded, generous, fruity and concentrated. The acidity is quite marked. It's easy to enjoy and it does have plenty of impact, but more from the sun-warmed fruit than the structure. Some sweetness to the fruit and tannin make this very approachable and seductive. Fermented in concrete, matured in oak barrels for 12 months with regular racking.