2009 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance

The 2009 Cornas are off the charts. For example, the black/purple-colored 2009 Cornas Renaissance smells like a butcher shop with loads of bloody meat, a hint of tomato confit, smoky charcoal embers and scorched earth. It possesses sweet tannins, an opulent, voluptuous texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a tremendous finish. Surprisingly accessible, it will be even better with 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for 20-25 years. This historic reference point for the wines of Cornas is one of the world’s most enviable small estates. Long run by Auguste Clape, who has slowly moved into retirement, turning the reins over to his talented son, Pierre-Marie, the quality of the Clape wines has been brilliant since I began visiting the estate over 30 years ago. I believe the 2009 and 2010 Cornas are the finest wines they have yet produced ... and that’s saying something. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

From Tezier: Bright red berries on the nose, with a sexy floral nuance. Open-knit and juicy, with sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of spiciness. From younger vines in Reynard: Mineral-driven aromas of red and dark berries, with a strong peppery quality and building minerality. Picks up smokiness with air and shows a subtle note of black olive on the back end. From 30-year-old vines in Petit Cote: Fresh red fruits and flowers on the nose. Smoky and precise, with strong mineral cut to its red and dark berry flavors. Late tannins add structure. These vines were planted the year that Olivier was born.

The 2009 Cornas are off the charts. For example, the black/purple-colored 2009 Cornas Renaissance smells like a butcher shop with loads of bloody meat, a hint of tomato confit, smoky charcoal embers and scorched earth. It possesses sweet tannins, an opulent, voluptuous texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a tremendous finish. Surprisingly accessible, it will be even better with 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for 20-25 years. ||This historic reference point for the wines of Cornas is one of the world’s most enviable small estates. Long run by Auguste Clape, who has slowly moved into retirement, turning the reins over to his talented son, Pierre-Marie, the quality of the Clape wines has been brilliant since I began visiting the estate over 30 years ago. I believe the 2009 and 2010 Cornas are the finest wines they have yet produced ... and that’s saying something. Wine Advocate.December, 2011