The 2018 Cornas La Geynale is largely in the same style as the Granit 60, only with the gamey, bloody and meaty character (as well as tannins) turned up a notch. Black and blue fruits, rare meat, ground pepper, and wild herbs all give way to a structured, tannic wine that has beautiful purity and elegance. It's not for those looking for instant gratification, however. This cuvée comes from a single parcel, is not destemmed, and will see 16 months in 2- to 8-year-old barrels.

Opaque ruby. Highly aromatic aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense, exotic spices, violet and a hint of olive. Densely packed and lively on the palate, offering intense dark berry liqueur, floral pastille and salty olive flavors, a hint of smoky minerality and building spiciness. Finishes chewy, focused and extremely long, with mounting tannins lending shape and grip to vivid dark fruit and floral notes.

For whatever reason, the sample of Paris's 2018 Cornas la Geynale seemed less expressive than his Granit 60 (both were tasted blind). Herb notes accent mixed berries in a wine that's medium to full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with firm but ripe tannins and a long, gently dusty finish. With its strong track record, I have to think it's likely to show better next year when I revisit it.