Johann Michel, Cornas Mere Michel Vintage:2017 pushing the fruit to the

pushing the fruit to the background

the wine is medium to full-bodied and framed by ripe tannins that feel somewhere between velvet and silk on the lingering finish

Discreet though still easily perceptible wood surrounds the spicier aromas of red berries

exotic tea and a hint of orange peel

amphora and concrete egg

Johann Michel, Cornas Mere Michel Vintage:2017 pushing the fruit to theShades of crushed granite, cacao and leather lend earthen, savory complexities to this gorgeously raw, rustic Cornas. Black plum and cherry flavors are ripe and concentrated, edged by firm, fiery tannins. It needs a bit of time to soften and meld but should improve well through 2037. Anna Lee C. Iijima