Vintage - 2014

Country - France

Region - Rhône

Grape Varieties - Syrah 100%

Alcohol by volume - 13%

Bottle - 75cl

Domaine Courbis dates from the 16th century and has been handed down from father to son since the start of the 20th century. It is now under the dynamic partnership of two brothers: Laurent, who is responsible for winemaking, and Dominique who looks after the vineyard. The vineyard currently extends to 35 hectares (including eight hectares in Cornas, five hectares in Saint Joseph Blanc and 19 hectares in Saint Joseph Rouge) in the communes of Châteaubourg and Cornas. The vines are planted on steep hillsides and the cellar is modern and equipped with temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and oak casks. The wines of Domaine Courbis are of extremely high quality and are consistently met with worldwide acclaim.

2014 was a challenging year in the northern Rhône. Winter was mild, but rainy. The weather warmed up in the spring and it was warm and very dry, resulting in almost drought like conditions in the summer. The results were heterogeneous so careful selection took place. The harvest took place early, before the intense rainstorms. The terroirs at Domaine Courbis have yielded beautiful wines in Cornas and Saint-Joseph full of excellent concentration.

Situated on the right bank of the river Rhône, not far from the city of Valence, the site of Cornas combines all the factors of a 'Grand Terroir'. Its exceptional microclimate, granite soils and old vines contribute to the potential for making great wines. The vineyard soils are made up of decomposed granite, which are free draining and very poor in nutrients, ideal for viticulture.

The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed and lightly pressed. Vinification took place in closed stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of between 30 and 32°C. The maceration process lasted for 12 to 15 days until the desired levels of colour and flavour were extracted. The wine was then transferred to French oak barrels of which 50% were new and 50% were second passage. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was bottled after 18 months ageing in oak.

A stunning and aromatic wine, with notes of red fruit and Morello cherry complemented by elegant oaked spice. This classic Cornas has a round and textured palate enveloped in luscious deep black cherry flavours. A wine of great finesse with a long, exquisite finish. A delicious red that goes well with game dishes and mature cheese.