Alain Voge 2019 Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhône France

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck – The 2019 Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes is similarly inky colored and has a classic nose of plums, Asian spices, sandalwood, and iron. Medium to full-bodied, with good acidity and ripe tannins, it doesn’t have the sheer weight, richness, or girth of the Vieilles Fontaines, yet it’s certainly a more classic Cornas that will be approachable with just 3-4 years of bottle age yet evolve for twenty years if you’re so inclined.

96 Points Wine Spectator – This is packed with succulent cherry, plum paste and blackberry fruit flavors that show hints of mulled spice, dried anise, singed tobacco and sweet tapenade as they move through. A mouthwatering mineral edge extends the lengthy finish. Cellar patiently, then serve with game for the full seduction. (JM)  (7/2022)

92 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – Now, this is more like it. A big step up from the disjointed Les Chailles, the 2019 Cornas Vieilles Vignes is a classic rendering of Cornas, with hints of crushed stone, mint, blueberries and red berries on the nose. It’s medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated enough, yet it’s not overbearing or heavy; it’s just deliciously drinkable and will drink well for more than a decade. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. Despite the weather challenges of 2021, Managing Director Lionel Fraisse had a smile on his face when I rang the bell outside the small tasting room in the village of Cornas. I thought I caught a glimpse of the widow Voge behind the curtains to my right, where she has continued to live since Alain’s passing in 2020. There will be no Saint-Péray Ongrie from 2021, nor sparkling Saint-Péray from this year, said Fraisse, as those vineyards were devastated by frost and mildew. Additionally, Fraisse said no decision had yet been taken regarding separate bottling of a 2020 Chapelle Saint Pierre and Vieilles Fontaines. Thankfully, the 2019 versions here are solid, with the 2019 Vieilles Fontaines (still in barrel at the time of my visit) looking particularly impressive. We took advantage of my visit to check in on some 2011 and 2001 wines, so owners of those will find updated reviews in this report. This organically farmed domaine remains a fine source for Cornas and Saint-Péray.