"Vincent Paris, whose first vintage was 1997, is as shy as his wines are bold. In his early 30's, he has retro sideburns, but not much else in the Cornas appellation's new star is "retro". Vincent's uncle is Robert Michel, one of Cornas' finest growers. He made his two first wines with his uncle then, seeking autonomy, rented facilities for the vinification of his most recent wines. He is in the process of building his own winemaking facilities with a courtyard that holds his apricot plantation.
Vincent Paris, co-president of the appellation of Cornas with Jacques Lemencier, owns 6 hectares of vineyards and produces about 2,500cs per year of which 1,600cs are Cornas. He inherited most of his own vines from his grandfather (some of which are 90 years old) and has also rented some vines from his uncle. Vincent's total rented and owned holdings amount to 8 hectares. They are located at different places primarily along the southeast facing Cornas slope and a small lot in St. Joseph.
He prunes to only four bunches of grapes per vine (the norm is between five and seven) which concentrates the vines' growing power and cuts down on the need for green harvests. He ferments at relatively low temperatures and matures his wine in oak barrels for up to 12 months.
Four years ago he planted Viognier and Roussanne in AOC Cornas, on north-facing slopes he considers better suited for white than reds, despite the fact that in so doing he must sell the wine as Côtes du Rhône since there is no AC Cornas for white. The cuvée is 2/3 viognier and 1/3 Roussanne. 20% of the cuvée is vinified in new barrels, the rest in tank.
The Cornas Granit 30 and 60 designations refer to the soil, the approximate age of the vines, and the slope on which they are planted. The Granit 30 is concentrated black fruit in a relatively "consumer friendly"style – perhaps a bit more Syrah-ish than Cornas-ish, whereas the 60 is classic Cornas – dense, aromas of kidney and iron, with a terrific mineral underpinning. His St Joseph red is made from 10 and 20 year old vines, and is vinfied 2/3 in barrel and 1/3 in tank."
Wine Advocate 91 "The 2017 Cornas Granit 30 features flattering aromas of cracked pepper, ground clove, fresh raspberries and crushed stone. But while the wine is
15b
France » Vin de Pays - IGP
"Vincent Paris is a rising star in Cornas, and this remarkable value in Northern Rhone Syrah is a great introduction to the wines of this
55eFrance » Saint-Joseph
Vinous Media 91 "Lurid violet color. Lively black raspberry, blueberry, olive and floral scents are accented by a spicy topnote. Offers juicy black/blue fruit flavors that
Wine Advocate 94 "Starting with his younger vine cuvée, the 2015 Cornas Granit 30 (1,500 cases) comes from the Patou and Saint Pierre lieux-dits and will
Wine Advocate 95-97 " The 2011 Cornas Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes offers an explosive nose of spring flowers, blackberries, blueberry liqueur, camphor and charcoal. It is
Wine Advocate 94-97 "Similarly styled, yet slightly richer and more tannic, the 2012 Cornas Granit 60 has incredible notes of black raspberry, powdered rock, graphite, licorice
Wine Advocate 92-95 "Looking first at the 2012s, the Cornas Granit 30 offers a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers, liquid rock and assorted black and blue
Robert Parker 90 "The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 Cornas Granite 30 reveals a beautifully sweet nose of wild blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of forest floor, underbrush,
Robert Parker 93-95 "The fabulous 2011 Cornas Granite 30 is one of the great wines of the vintage. Elegant, with a black/blue color, sweet tannin and
International Wine Cellar 92 "Bright purple. Vibrant dark fruits on the nose, with hints of Asian spices and a floral element adding complexity. Deep and sweet
Vinous Media 90-91 "Bright violet color. Fresh red and dark berries and potpourri on the intensely perfumed nose. Silky and broad in the mouth, with sweet
Vinous Media 92 "Inky ruby. Deep-pitched aromas of cherry compote, cassis, licorice and smoky herbs gain vivacity from a peppery overtone. Sappy and precise, showing strong
Vinous Media 92 "(about 20% whole clusters and no new oak) Brilliant violet. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, candied flowers and
Wine Advocate 94 "Don't overlook Paris's outstanding 2017 Saint Joseph Les Cotes. It combines blueberries, espresso and pepper in a medium to full-bodied format that's supported
End of item list