2020 Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale

Vincent Paris is a native of Cornas, a Northern Rhône appellation famous for its steep, granite, terraced slopes. Vincent’s first vintage was in 1997, having inherited vineyards from his grandfather and purchased some from his uncle, legendary Cornas vigneron Robert Michel, on his retirement in 2006. The biodynamically farmed vineyards are located in various parcels along the southeast facing Cornas slope. Vincent’s Granit 30 and Granit 60 take their names from the slope and gradient of the vineyards and average vine age respectively. Vincent’s famed 100+ year old, 1.3 hectare La Geynale parcel, in the Reynard area of Cornas and owned by his family for four generations, is comprised of old vines planted by his great-grandfather in 1910.

Other Reviews....
Ancient vines, a near-perfect southern exposition and Paris's genius touch combine in his 2020 Cornas la Geynale, which merits serious consideration as wine of the vintage within the tiny Cornas appellation. Spectacular aromas of blueberries and cassis lead the way, garnished by hints of sage, bay leaf, licorice and crushed stone. Full-bodied and ripe, it's nevertheless neither overly heavy nor rich, with an intriguing sense of weightlessness that easily carries that swirl of flavors through the long, silky finish. Drink 2023 - 2035.
96-98 points
Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

Lastly, the 2020 Cornas La Geynale comes from a single lieu-dit and is not destemmed. It's closer in style to the Granit 60 and has young and unformed aromas and flavors of blue fruits, crushed stone, pepper, and liquid violets. Straight-up heavenly on the palate, it's full-bodied and has a seamless, pure, elegant texture, ample tannins, and a great finish.
96-98 points
Jeb Dunnuck

A wine that fizzes and sparks with crackling berry fruits and dried herbs. Full-bodied but not massive in the mouth, this has soaring power and energy. Perfectly balanced, with searing, mouth-coating, super-fine tannin. A wine like a thunder crack that takes you by surprise, it shocks the palate. Long finish. This is an exceptional vintage for Vincent Paris. 100-year-old vines. No destemming. Five-day cold maceration, then fermented with wild yeasts. Twice daily remontage, no punching down, then aged for 16 months in two to eight-year-old barriques. Grown on the granite slopes of lieu-dit La Geynale, one of the finest of the appellation. Drinking Window 2028 - 2040.
98 points
Matt Walls - Decanter