Francois Villard Cornas Jouvet 2017

94/100 - The success of Villard's 2017 Cornas Jouvet makes it two years in a row for this cuvée. Made entirely as whole clusters but aged in older barrels, this wine showcases expressive flavors of cola, plum, cassis and dried spices, an expansive, full-bodied palate and ripe, creamy tannins that develop a pleasant chewiness on the wine's lengthy finish. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

93-94/100 - Inky purple. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry preserves and candied violet, along with hints of woodsmoke, licorice and olive paste. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering concentrated black/blue fruit and spicecake flavors that are supported by a core of zesty acidity. Rich yet lively and precise, finishing subtly sweet and impressively long, with slow-building tannins and persistent spiciness. (made with 100% whole clusters and no new oak). - Josh Reynolds, Vinous

17.5/20 - Cask sample. Tasted blind. Beautifully complex nose with a strong vegetal influence. Beetroot, black cherry, rhubarb – really complex and engaging. Vivid plum and blackberry fruit on the palate, full body and finely ground tannins with finely judged acidity and a fantastic spicy note on the finish. Top-class Cornas, showing that it needn't be impenetrable, and can have perfume to rival Côte Rôtie. - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com