2016 domaine durand, cornas, empreintes

Marketplace price

Bottle size (ML)

Why We're Buying

Looking for an affordable entry into investment-grade wine? Check out Domaine Eric & Joël Durand Cornas Empreintes. The syrah comes from Northern Rhône and is relatively low priced due to neighboring competition from industry titans like Hermitage and Côte Rôtie. Still, in 2020, it appreciated 14.2.

Critics Scores

Decanter

From 30 year old vines, 75 destemmed. An aromatic red fruit character on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it's a very direct, smooth and supple style. There's no unnecessary weight here, it's exceptionally well worked, with smooth tannins and a very long finish. It has the characteristic smooth polish of the domaine, and is an elegant expression of Cornas. (MW)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2016 Cornas Empreintes features hints of cedar, brown sugar and dried spices layered over its plummy fruit (it was aged in 20 new oak, with the bulk in older wood). Full-bodied, supple and ripe, it's charming but with more stuffing than that word suggests, showing ample concentration and soft, dusty tannins on the long finish. It's a terrific Cornas to drink over the next 10-12 years. (JC)

Wine Spectator

Ripe and focused, with mouthwatering acidity driving the core of steeped red currant, raspberry and blackberry fruit along. A bright iron note zings through the finish, pulling in light anise, savory and sanguine hints. Best from 2020 through 2035. 520 cases made. (JM)

Jeb Dunnuck

Deep purple-colored, the 2016 Cornas Empreintes is a smoking good effort. Blackberries, plums, cured meats, pepper, and earthy notes all flow from this rounded, sexy, powerful Cornas that has beautiful mid-palate depth and density as well as a great finish. Drink this smoking good 2016 any time over the coming decade.

Vinous

Bright purple. Ripe berries, cherry preserves, licorice, woodsmoke and vanilla on the deeply perfumed nose. Concentrated and powerful but energetic as well; juicy acidity sharpens the densely packed blackberry, bitter cherry and olive paste flavors. The impressively long, velvety finish features harmonious tannins, a touch of candied violet and lingering smokiness. (JR)