Domaine Courbis Cornas Champelrose 2017

The Courbis brothers have long been the gold standard for balancing the Northern Rhône’s old-school intensity with a polished, modern finesse. The Champelrose cuvée, sourced from vines planted on the steep, sun-drenched granitic slopes near the base of the appellation, is consistently one of the most accessible and soulful expressions of Syrah we come across.

The 2017 vintage is a standout—a year where the fruit reached a level of ripeness that feels both effortless and electric. In the glass, it shows a deep, inky purple hue that hints at the concentration within. On the nose, it’s classic Northern Rhône: liquid violets, crushed gravel, and smoky minerals layered over a core of ripe blueberry and black cherry.

What we love most here is the texture. While Cornas is often known for being a bit tight or tannic in its youth, the Champelrose 2017 is remarkably supple. It has the weight and power you expect, but the edges are beautifully rounded. Expect savory notes of licorice, olive tapenade, and a touch of peppery spice that linger long into a clean, crisp finish.