Thierry Allemand, Cornas Reynard, 2012

Thierry Allemand is the man who, more than anyone, restored Cornas to greatness, and he's now one of the most revered names in the Northern Rhone. 'Reynard' is his flagship, drawing on the domaine's oldest vines, including ancient plantings he acquired from the legendary Noel Verset, rooted in the steep granite of the hillside. Pure old-vine Syrah farmed organically and made with a light, traditional hand, it's a wine of profound depth and energy. The 2012 is a balanced, classically built vintage now entering a beautiful drinking window. Decant it.