For lovers of the Northern Rhone August Clape needs zero introduction. Even those less familiar with the slopes along the river where Syrah reigns supreme have often heard the name. Clape is that important.
He almost single-handedly brought his home village of Cornas out of the old, négociant-centered model and into the estate-focused 21st Century. A former mayor of Cornas he is now synonymous with the best of what this village has to offer.
After nearly fifty years of winemaking, August is still going strong, though his son and grandson are doing much of the heavy lifting.
Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
96
"Dark purple. Deep-pitched, mineral-accented black and blue fruit liqueur, olive and floral pastille aromas develop peppery spice and cola notes with aeration. Sappy and deeply concentrated on the palate, offering boysenberry, cassis and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by smoky mineral and cracked pepper flourishes. The mineral note drives the extremely long, energetic finish, and chewy tannins provide shape and solid grip." -Vinous
Robert Parker
RP
97
"Clape’s flagship 2015 Cornas is enormously complex and compelling. Almond skin, cherries, blood and herbal notes all combine on the nose, while on the palate this medium to full-bodied wine is firmly tannic but ripe and balanced, with a rich, velvety and nearly endless finish."
Wine Spectator
WS
98
"This has it all, from the dark, dense core of steeped fig, blackberry and black currant fruit to the smoldering charcoal, dark olive and singed bay leaf notes. Violet and white pepper nuances add lift before a prodigious warm cast-iron element provides spine on the finish. A brick house that will live for quite some time."
Details
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Grape Variety
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Vintage
2015
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Size
750ml