2003 Cornas Thierry Allemand

When I was first contacted about this wine, I presumed it was a typo. Surely no one has 45 bottles. Only 8,000 bottles were made and there is only one available on the UK market. I had often heard about this legendary wine but to say buses all come at once is an understatement.

For much of the last century, Cornas was rather cruelly described as the red headed stepchild of the Northern Rhone, but in recent decades as reputations soared and wine makers such as Thierry Allemand led the way with hard work, meticulous skill, and his deep understanding of the terroir, he harnessed all that is great about this tiny appellation, so that it now firmly sits at the top table. His 2003 Cornas, albeit created in difficult circumstances due to the heat, is often cited as the pinnacle of what can be achieved, not just in Cornas, but all of France. 

Traditionally Thierry Allemand makes two wines - Les Chaillots (younger vines of 5-40 years) and Reynard (older vines of 34-90 years). However, in 2003 he only created an individual wine from all vines. A monumental wine when born, it has taken on an elegance after 20 years. A true iron fist in a velvet glove.

To learn more about this inspiring grower and his wines, click here.

The vendor's father had these bottles since first release and they have been stored beautifully. I presume it was a more innocent/sensible time when a wise merchant called you up offering you the wine rather than telling you of your allocation. 

They are mostly in perfect condition, but a few have been subject to some damp on the labels from being too close to the cellar floor. They are being sold separately and priced accordingly. At a perfect age now, they will continue to age gracefully for many years to come, but don't forget to decant for a few hours before serving.

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer.  The auction will take place on Tuesday 12 September (starting at 10.30am BST) at our sister auction company – Forum Auctions, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park.  

Forum Auctions
4 Ingate Place
London SW8 3NS

www.forumauctions.co.uk 

Bidding is available online, by telephone or by commission bids through Dreweatts, or in person at Forum Auctions.  Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon BST the day before the auction.

For a guide to bidding in a Live Online Auction, click here.  

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