Easy mistake to make

Last time I had this wine I was presented it blind. Then I thought it was Alain Graillot’s Crozes-Hermitage and tasting it again that seems like a very understandable mistake to make.

Cornas 2000, Noel Verset

The nose has a very strong cheap cologne character; very Crozes-y. There is a hint of greenness about it too, and some peppery, plummy fruit. It smells very earthy. From the smell alone I would guess this was reasonably mature Crozes-Hermitage. The palate also has plummy fruit, pepper and again a hint of greenness. It seems ripe enough, though. Good tannic structure. The finish is quite long, with fruit persisting. This is as mature as it is ever going to be, and whilst this is not a great vintage, it is an interesting, characterful wine.