Domaine Lionnet, Cornas (Rhône Valley, France) 2010

Ludovic Izerable, winemaker at Domaine Lionnet, is from Grenoble in the Haute Savoie.  He married Corinne Lionnet, whose family has been growing grapes since 1575.  The estate is tiny, and old-fashioned in production methods.  Hand-harvesting is used for the vineyards where vines range from 40 to 100 years old.  The grapes are fermented as whole clusters with stems included, adding aromatics, structure, and nuance.  The wines undergo extended fermentation using natural yeasts, and aging in large old oak barrels.  The result is an inky dark, stout wine that has the structure to age for years.  The aromas and flavors of leather, smoked meat, granite earth, violets, and black pepper are quintessential Syrah, and the big, brooding structure is quintessential Cornas.  There is supple fruit underneath, and given time this should emerge to balance the wine. Hold this for several years and decant upon serving.  The outcome should be worth the time and effort.