Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes Pre-Arrival 2009

A very fleshy Cornas, with layers of plum sauce, spice cake, fig bread and cassis rolling over one another, while the anise and iron notes hang in the background for now. The finish is strong and intense. Best from 2012 through 2020.

There's solid grip, but this manages to stay elegant, with a range of dark currant, tobacco, olive and sage notes followed by a meaty edge on the finish. The latent richness begs for a cassoulet. Best from 2009 through 2015.

The blockbuster 2009 Cornas Empreintes appears capable of 20+ years of longevity. A black/purple color is accompanied by copious aromas of blueberries, blackberry liqueur, charcoal, graphite and subtle smoke and incense. Intense, layered, full-bodied and massive with a hint of tannins (they are largely buried by the wealth of fruit and extract), this 2009 will benefit from 2ndash;3 years of cellaring after its release and should drink well over the following two decades.

The blockbuster 2009 Cornas Empreintes appears capable of 20+ years of longevity. A black/purple color is accompanied by copious aromas of blueberries, blackberry liqueur, charcoal, graphite and subtle smoke and incense. Intense, layered, full-bodied... Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. A Syrah wine from Rhone in France. 2009 Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes 750ml

100% Syrah from the tiny appellation of Cornas, situated in the notoriously steep vineyards of the northern Rhône. With a few minutes of airing, there is a cherry explosion on the nose and palate of this dark ruby red. Medium-full body with bursts of tart black cherry, earth ("Cornas" means "scorched earth in Celtic), licorice, pepper, cinnamon spice and plum flavors. Complexity abounds in this chewy textured Syrah with a cleansing beam of acidity keeping it fresh and balanced. Polished and delicious!

The 2006 Cornas Empreintes shares the same dense ruby/purple hue in addition to aromas of crushed rocks, spring flowers, pepper, and sweet red and black fruits. The tannic finish suggests it will benefit from sometime in bottle.

The 2005 Cornas Empreintes possesses good density and power as well as high tannin, sweet cherry and blackberry fruit, and hints of coffee, bay leaves, and crushed rocks. It will benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring, and drink well for 10-12 years.