Jay Kline

9.9

What a special treat to have an entire flight dedicated to the one and only Noël Verset. All three wines were opened prior to dinner and serially enjoyed over the course of a few hours. Stylistically, all three wines were similar and most importantly, sound! The 1998 pours a garnet color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with ripe and slightly desiccated, wild red bramble berries, dried purple flowers, cracked black pepper, black olive, garrigue, spiced meat, coffee, old leather bound books, exotic eastern spices and inorganic earth and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Bro…this bottle left me speechless. It has all of the things I could possibly want in Cornas plus, it has the staying power of Barry White. For me, this was the wine of the flight (and WOTN), overshadowing the more heralded 1999 and giving more than the relatively demure 1992. Drink now through (???). This has the characteristics of an immortal. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond. — 2 years ago

Heriberto Silva

9.3

Grassy, sour cream on the nose or lactose, a little bit of jalapeño, rich, white flowers, green apple, lemon, developed on the glass as it breathes. — 4 years ago

Dubarno

8.9

Noël 2025
Année 2004 — 5 months ago

Evan Karp

9.2

Beautiful nose of violets and some herbs (maybe thyme?). This was a coravin pour to check in so hardly doing it any justice. But has a lot of potential. 13% alcohol — 7 months ago

Mackenzie Svee

9.5

Brioche, crisp apple, citrus, creme brulee — 9 months ago

with Katie

Jeanette Bangs

9.0

« Les Darons » 🍷 et Bœuf Bourguignon avec les enfants - magnifique - joyeux Noël🎄 — 3 years ago

Audrey Nadeau

9.1

Des arômes « tertiaires » de cuir, de tabac et de cèdre. Joyeux Noël!! — 5 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

Going a few months back from memory so no detailed tasting notes - inviting #champagne with some richer toasted notes, almonds and much more than expected layers. — a year ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Another producer to inherit some vineyards from Verset was Thiérry Allemand who purchased Noëls holdings in Reynard. That vineyard is the cornerstone for this wine. The 1999 Allemand “Reynard” is still full of fresh brambles, some cow pasture, and beautiful purple flowers. It’s sanguine with inorganic earth and gentle spices. Bangin’ with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. This is gorgeous and should be outstanding through 2040+. — 2 years ago