Tunnel Cornas 2024

Stephane Robert’s Domaine du Tunnel just recently passed its thirtieth anniversary, but its critical acclaim far exceeds what one might expect from such a young domaine in the ancient and tiny Northern Rhône appellation of Cornas. People first took notice of it from the feature that provides its name; the barrel room is an old railroad tunnel punched into the hillside just above the appellation. By now, though, its reputation for quality is what brings wine lovers to the door.

The Domaine’s regular cuvée of Cornas 2024 was vinified with 20% whole bunches. We found it nicely integrated, with plenty of fruit and an attractive mouthfeel. Yohann Castaing praised its “aromas of violet, iris, cassis and dark berries mingled with delicate spicy notes.” He called it “unusually suave for the appellation,” finding it “framed by velvety tannins and concluding with a long, fruit-driven finish.” There will be no rush to drink this wine, but it is likely to be approachable young.