Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas 2022 750ml

In the world of wine, there are many good winegrowers. However, there are only a very select few who are truly great, and the Clape family will go down in history among the greats. For many years, the majority of growers in Cornas sold their fruit to négociants, but in the mid-1950s Auguste Clape became one of the first to bottle his own wine, which eventually paved the way for the entire appellation. Without pretense or fanfare, Auguste sought to reveal the greatness of a then little-known terroir in which he saw the highest potential. The Clapes farm just eight hectares of densely planted terraced vineyards, with a wealth of old vines, on the hillsides of Cornas where treacherous inclines make using any machinery in the vineyards impossible. All work must be done by hand, and the work is arduous.

Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage - 2020

"Glass-staining ruby. Intensely perfumed dark berry preserve, violet oil, olive, cured meat and woodsmoke scents show fine definition and vibrant spice- and mineral-driven lift. Offers palate-staining, spice-laced blackberry, bitter cherry, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors that deepen and open up steadily through the midpalate, while maintaining energy. The strikingly long, penetrating finish features youthfully chewy tannins, a sweet touch of cola and lingering floral and exotic spice qualities. All whole clusters and no new oak, as usual. "
Josh Reynolds - Vinous Media - 97-98 Points

"A vibrant, focused and intense style of Cornas, a return to a classic style after the richness of 2018 and the power of 2019. Their Renaissance will be made this year, so both wines will need to be bottled before a more precise evaluation of each blend can be made, but the outlook is good. Whole-bunch fermented in unlined concrete tanks, matured in small old foudres."
Decanter Magazine - 97 Points

"The flagship 2020 Cornas is a beauty! Clearly in the same league as recent top vintages, it has a wild bouquet of black and blue fruits, liquid violets, game, and iron, with some incense and spice thrown in for good measure. It's slightly more round and sexy compared to the more powerful 2019, but it’s perfectly balanced, with ripe tannins and a great finish. This heavenly Cornas will be drinkable in just 3-4 years and evolve for two decades."
Jeb Dunnuck - 97 Points