Domaine du Tunnel Mixed Case
2019 Cornas, Domaine du Tunnel
Dark, opaque core in the glass, nearing black in the centre, there's little doubt that this is going to be an incredibly concentrated, dense wine, the purple cherry-skin coloured brim hints at the fruit to follow.
Such is the density that it almost feels heavy as you give it a swirl, the viscosity of the wine evident as it claws at the sides of the glass. The nose is as intense as the visual cues suggest, black forest gateaux, sweet dark fruit, and hints of violets and subtle spice.
The palate is a sensory delight, even at this relatively youthful stage you can crack apart the fruit components - to a degree - dark roasted coffee, crushed dark cherry and a woody spice jostle for your attention, it's intense but balanced, the true structure a little masked by the fruit and tannic intensity at this stage. The grip on the finish offers a firm frame to the fruit character, it really demands food to curtail the grip, and deliver a blanket of warming spicy fruit.
Every post tasting breath re-awakens aromas and flavours of dark roast coffee and spice, delicious!
A superb wine, if you can cellar for another 5 years++ then wow!, what a treat, if you can't resist pulling the cork sooner, then an hour or more in the decanter - and a hearty menu - are a must to release the genie within.
2019 Saint-Joseph, Domaine du Tunnel
Much like the Cornas there is no hiding the fact that this is a youthful, powerful and intense wine. Slightly more rustic in style, nonetheless one that commences in a very similar fashion; a dark, near-black core, and subtly purpling brim, again leave you in no doubt that what is to follow will be an intense sensory experience.
Again the wine claws at the side of the glass, a gentle swish is met with a surge of dense, cassis aromas, a meatiness and an almost minty, herbaceous spice.
The palate is a tightly wound medley of black fruit deliciousness, laden with dark cherry coulis, sweet spice, hints of crushed herb, and delicate woodsmoke. The tannic grip is again a big component in this youthful wine, demanding of a food accompaniment to keep it at bay, but the ripe, sweetness of fruit and oak make them somewhat less intrusive than those of the Cornas, should you crave/brave a solo unaccompanied glass then pick this first.
Again, each post-tasting breath re-invigorates the dark cherry and sweet spice aromas and flavours.
Much like the Cornas above this is another superb wine, 'absolutely nailed-on warm vintage Northern-Rhône Syrah' as one of my colleagues put it, again cellar if you can for 5 years++ Decanting is a must, but the slightly softer tannic grip perhaps allows more immediate appreciation of the deep complexity of fruit within.
James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler