L' Esprit d'Olivier Ciosi Cornas 2011 2011

Cornas is a superb place to start if you fancy exploring the magnificent wines of the northern Rhône, and here we've selected a top example for you from the excellent 2011 vintage. Hugh Johnson describes Cornas as "dark Syrah of macho vigour" (Wine Companion), not quite in the same league as the regal Hermitage but pound for pound quite outstanding nonetheless. And rising star winemaker Olivier Ciosi has gone all out to impress. He hand selected Syrah grapes from granite terraces and crafted them into this dense, silk textured wine, ageing it in barrel for 12 months. It's a rich red full of blackcurrant, spice and tobacco character that will gain complexity with age. Decant carefully an hour before serving with roast or grilled red meats.