Jay Kline

9.5

First, the Gentaz and now, Verset?! Be still my beating heart! Noël Verset is a freaking legend. His first vintage was during the period of peace between the first and second world war which means, for most of his career, Cornas was a tough place to make a living making wine. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that things began to turn around and by that time, Noël was in his 70’s. Talk about perseverance. By the time he made this 1996 vintage, he had already started selling off some of his vineyards and by 2006, he was done making wine altogether. 

And this 1996? It is lighter in color than the other wines in the Cornas line-up; almost a pale garnet with a transparent core. The nose is just crazy. I just wanted to smell it for the rest of the night. Wild mixed berries, dried purple flowers, garrigue, tobacco, and coffee. This was a Cornas of elegance and thinner on the palate relative to the Allemand and Clape. Long finish. Divine with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. Drinking very well now and could hold for longer but why? — a month ago

Doug Young

9.2

Rich flavor, hints of cheese rinds and olives — 5 months ago

with Pam

MP

9.1

Off dry, little tanin or alcohol, smooth easy drinking. — 8 months ago

Kate Cogswell

9.0

Yum, dry and well priced — 18 days ago

Jess

9.0

Pale lemon color.
Aromas of citrus, stonefruit.
Dry. Flavors of lime, nectarine, white peach, salty minerality.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 5/5
Finish: 4/5 — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Pale lemon color with aromas of citrus, stone fruits and floral notes, aged on lees for 9 months. On the palate flavors of apple, melon and lemon citrus with notes of pepper and spice. Medium+ finish, chalky, vivid acidity and ends with mineral spice. Nice! — 7 months ago

James Mosman

9.0

Good. Definitely can do another bottle. — a month ago

Galen Hasler

9.1

Richness, bready and toasted pear. ? celery with vibrant acidity — 4 months ago

Craig Marino

9.1

Kelly’s new favorite white — 6 months ago

Mark Chandler

8.9

Crisp and refreshing with a hint of pineapple. — 8 months ago