] Have been given by a good friend, some years ago the red wines Cornas (year ] unknown but at a guess 1989) and Coteaux-du-tricastin 1990. As yet still ] unopened but would like to know some background information on them. Have ] had a very relentless search on the web but no luck, only found much later ] vintages (if that's what it's called, sorry bit of a dummy with the ] terminologies). Would mostly like to know when's best to consider drinking ] them and curiously how luxurious we should feel when enjoying them on what ] their potential worth is now, substantial or not ;-) ] ] Any expert advice would be very much appreciated. ] ] Kind regards ] David M ] ]
Hello David,
I don't know about expert, but I can tell you that Robert Michel is a well known producer in Cornas. He is a nice fellow, but his wines are not among my favorite in the appellation. I prefer Marcel Juge, or the other Michel which Robert is often confused with, Jean-Luc. But, "your" Michels wines are very serviceable and given that many excellent wines were made in Cornas in '89, you should probably have a winner. I have tasted this particular wine at some point, but I have no recollection or notes, as I am not a regular client of this domaine, sorry.
Conventional wisdom has it that most cornas should be held at least 7 years, and will then hold for a long time. I think this Michel is to drink (with an hour of breathing) or hold. Personally I'd drink it sooner rather than later.
If you want to find out more from Robert Michel, his contact info is
Robert Michel
19, Grande Rue
07130 CORNAS tel 04.75.40.38.70
As I said, he's a nice guy and I'm sure he'd be delighted to give you information on your particular bottle.
I don't know your tricastin, but I can tell you this appellation is traditionally made for near term consumption. '90 was a great year, but none the less this may be over the hill. Lacking other information, drink soon.
HTH,
-E