So I had an epiphany a few years ago at a Copain tasting at Hearth where an '04 Allemand Reynard Cornas was served as a ringer and to me was the WOTN. I haven’t been able to find the '04 at a reasonable price since then (narrowly missed the boat on a small parcel that arrived at Chambers St. a year back) but bit recently on the '05 and '09. Can anyone comment on which (recent) vintages are worth seeking out? Any other producers that make a syrah similar style-wise?
All vintages that I’ve tried (99 and later, plus a few scattered earlier) have been outstanding. 2001 is particularly good. 2004 was amazing on release but I think is in a bit of a valley right now. Even the weaker 2008 vintage is excellent.
You guys have me salivating. I’ve got just a couple of 04s (Chaillot and Reynard) buried in the celler somewhere and will have to break one out tonight and report back.
I thought this for years (replaced Chave for me in the early 00s). I’d add Texier Pergaud to that now. It must be the marketing.
there is no such thing as a “bad vintage” from such a great winegrower and terroir. Buy everything you can afford. Don’t ignore the Chaillot. It is at the same quality level.
Here’s my brief note from last night – pretty impressive stuff. Will update tonight…
2004 Thierry Allemand Cornas Chaillot- France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (10/18/2012)
Almost black in the decanter. Raw, wild blackberry on the expressive nose, with charcoal, iron and blood. More fruit on the palate than nose – sour cherry and cranberry with smoke moving to ash/charcoal and into iron through the very long finish. Seemed to get a little bit leaner with air and time in the glass – will revisit tonight and update… (93 pts.)