Domaine Lionnet - Age Worthy Biodynamic Syrah from Cornas
The Domaine
Domaine Lionnet is a traditional Cornas domaine run by the husband and wife team of Ludovic Izérable and Corinne Lionnet, the estate has been organic since 2007, and officially organic since 2012. Though not certified, biodynamic farming has been practiced here since 2017. The low intervention wines from this small artisanal estate are classically proportioned and distinctly graceful in style, and they continue to sneak under the radar of northern Rhône enthusiasts.
Whole bunch fermentation, no cultured yeasts, and hands-off winemaking result in wines that are full bodied with apparent but smooth tannins when young. The vines are aged between 40 and 100 years old, and the grapes are hand picked by parcel and vinified separately. Fermentation with whole clusters occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in cement vats, and the wines are aged in large old oak barrels, only replaced when the old ones have outlived their usefulness. The wines are not fined or filtered. Production is extremely small, with only 1,500 cases produced on average per year.
Please see below our special introductory offer on these wines below with a 15% discount off our retail prices.
All in stock in Hong Kong, and offered subject to final confirmation and remaining unsold. E. & O. E.
The wines
Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brûlée 2019 - $340 per bottle
“Suave, mineral-accented blackberry, cassis, cherry compote and exotic spice qualities on the intensely perfumed nose, along with a slowly emerging floral nuance. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, displaying powerful lift to the concentrated black and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with pronounced mineral thrust, a hint of smoky bacon and gently chewy, well-knit tannins.”
Score: 94-96
Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com, May 2020
Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brûlée 2018 - $340 per bottle
“Opaque violet color. Precise, mineral-accented scents of blackberry, cassis and exotic spices are accompanied by a slowly emerging floral nuance. Sappy and energetic on the palate, displaying sharp delineation to its concentrated black/blue fruit, floral pastille, olive and allspice flavors. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with intense mineral thrust, a hint of candied violet and subtly chewy, harmonious tannins that make a late appearance.”
Score: 95
Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com, April 2020
Domaine Lionnet Cornas Pur Granit 2019 - $400 per bottle
“Vibrant, spice- and mineral-tinged dark berry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of olive, licorice and pungent flowers. Energetic, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit and candied violet flavors deepen with air while a smoky mineral element adds lift and back-end cut. Velvety tannins add gentle grip to an impressively long, floral-driven finish that leaves a repeating floral note behind.”
Score: 93-95
Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com, May 2020