Noël Verset

Noël Verset

Cornas Syrah 1996

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?
— 12 days ago

Severn, Lyle and 6 others liked this

Jean-Noël Haton

Brut Champagne Blend Rosé

John Howard
9.5

Hol lee fahh this is great! — 9 months ago

Alan, Daniel and 10 others liked this

Jeff Carrel

Les Darons Languedoc Grenache Blend 2020

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

Laura liked this

Domaine Auguste Clape

Cornas Syrah 1997

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. — 12 days ago

Lyle, Severn and 7 others liked this

Noël Bazin

L'Unanime Brut Blanc De Blancs Champagne Blend

Richness, bready and toasted pear. ? celery with vibrant acidity — 3 months ago

Jean-Noël Haton

Brut Classic Champagne Blend

An absolutely smooth and well put together bubbly - just wow. Perfect on the nose and smooth brioche from start to finish. Santé! — 9 months ago

Sharon liked this

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 1999

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+. — 12 days ago

Severn, Ira and 7 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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Dude you had a Rhône evening I can only dream about. Lucky man! Cheers!
Jay Kline

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@Tom Casagrande no doubt. It was truly special. I created a Tasting Story on CT; not sure if you’re on there.

Patrick Noël

Noël Sancerre 2021

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

Tom, Anthony and 2 others liked this

Alain Verset

Cornas Syrah 2015

Was going to get the 2016 given I generally love that vintage across much of Europe but the somm talked me into the 2015 saying it was more open. He was right - this was delicious, and still traditional and “old school” with a restrained 13.5%. Tons of pepper and dark dark fruit with some olive. Very delicious with nice medium acid and a long finish. — 2 years ago

Severn, Ira and 3 others liked this