Lobenberg - 98-100 Points
The nose of Cornas Patou is concentrated black raspberry. That sounds contradictory, I know. But it isn’t blackberry either, because it lacks that hugely fat, black-and-blue fruit. And it isn’t raspberry, because the fruit isn’t red enough. It sits exactly in between: raspberry, blackberry, dried blueberries. Rich violets and the finest nougat chocolate. Enormously dense and full of tension, all underpinned by black healing earth.

Highly intense, yet not heavy—rather incredibly linear and focused. This is due in part to the absence of sulfur additions and ageing solely on fine lees. The wines are extremely clean, mineral, direct, unadorned, and already almost ready to drink at this early barrel stage—also because the wine has already been taken off the gross lees. Fascinating.

A wonderful, highly intense palate follows. The same fruit impressions as on the nose return: super-concentrated, extremely dark, almost black raspberry with black earth. Unlike earlier vintages, when sulfur and gross lees were still used, there is no tar character anymore. That is what makes 2022 so fascinating and surprising. No tar, no goudron—instead, black Assam tea adds another layer of tension to the concentrated berry fruit. Very long and very fine. Totally polished tannins keep rising and rolling through the palate.

In this warm, hot, dry year, the wine is fully ripe, yet it remains remarkably fine and fresh. The palate in particular is incredibly compelling: a combination of black raspberry, blackberry, black earth, black cherry, elderberry, orange zest, sea buckthorn, and salt.

The most astonishing aspect is the contrast with 2021—not only in terms of ripeness, but also due to the changed sulfur regime. This results in enormous elegance: a Syrah with almost Burgundian traits and tremendous charm. Have I ever tasted such a great Cornas Patou from Ferraton before? Yes, I have—but in a different style. 2022 is without question among the most exciting Cornas I have ever tasted. Extremely chic, delicious, and hedonistic.

Jeb Dunnuck - 95 Points 
Another smoking good effort from Damien is the 2022 Cornas Lieu-Dit Patou, which comes from a lieu-dit on the southern end of Cornas with a southern exposure and was destemmed and brought up in oak. Cassis, black raspberries, spring flowers, toasted spice, violets, and honeyed orange notes all shine in this beauty, and it's ripe, medium to full-bodied, and incredibly sexy on the palate, with fine tannins.