2017 Matthieu Barret 'Billes Noires' Cornas Special Format_1L and this aged Rioja shows

and this aged Rioja shows dried fruit

How do you know when a vineyard is truly something great

If it exists

instead of the aging for the minimum 3 years required by Rioja Reserva

2017 Matthieu Barret 'Billes Noires' Cornas Special Format_1L and this aged Rioja showsMatthieu Barret was my favorite winemaker of 2016. And the love affair continues. Its one of those rare instances where I agree with the meretricious ratings dispensers (because boy do the wine mags lose their proverbial shizz over this wine). This is his top end cuve, and it spends one year in old wood followed by one year in concrete tank: the results? Black fruit like youve tasted in your dreams, smoked earth, licorice pastilles, violets, and dark