Johann Michel Cornas Mère Michel 2018

Wineadvocate

In certain vintages, Michel produces a special cuvée named for his wife. The 2018 Cornas Cuvée de la Mme Michel comes from a parcel of Les Côtes that was replanted to a selection of Sérine taken from Yves Cuilleron's vineyard in Chavanay. Aged in a new demi-muid for 16 months, it boasts intense scents of creosote, cracked pepper and damp earth, but there are also notes of cassis, cherry and crushed stone. While full-bodied, it isn't as big or muscular as the Jana, showing a sense of poise and elegance on the palate, easily carrying the rich dusting of ripe tannins. - JC 01/2022

Dunnuck

Only made in top vintages, the 2018 Cornas Mère Michel is a tribute to Johann's wife and a play on the French song "La Mere Michelle." Brought up in a new demi-muid, it's a richer, broader wine compared to the Cuvée Jana yet still has incredible Cornas style in its red, black, and blue fruits as well as notes of toasted spice, roasted meat, chocolate, and wild herbs. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has a touch more upfront appeal and should be drinkable in just 4-5 years yet also evolve for two decades.