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
93
"Saturated ruby. Deep, youthfully brooding aromas of cassis, cherry compote, plum, olive tapenade, roasted coffee and burning incense. Dense and sappy in the mouth, displaying sweet black raspberry and cherry pit qualities, with chewy tannins adding grip and gaining power with air. Really takes over the palate, eventually finishing with superb sweet length and a bitter cherry bite." -Josh Raynolds
Robert Parker
RP
94
"Clape's 2006 Cornas continues to drink well, like so many 2006s. This bottle, ordered off the wine list at La Ruche in Saint-Péray, was a recent release from the winery. It boasts a wonderful array of roasted meat, black olive and cassis flavors. Full-bodied, with a fabulously silky and rich texture, it finishes savory and long. Just a lovely bottle of mature Cornas." -Joe Czerwinski
Jancis Robinson
JR
18
"Raspberry, spice, meat, chocolate. Finely trimmed, proportionate and elegant. Superbly youthful still, and long-lived in prospect – but pretty irresistible now."
Wine Spectator
WS
94
"Rock-solid, with a terrifically built core of black Mission fig, macerated currant and warm fig paste supported by iron-clad tannins. The background is filled with iron, tar and espresso, but this stays racy and pure, despite the dark profile. Just a step behind the 2005, with superb grip and density."
Details
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Vintage
2006
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Size
750ml