Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas, Rhone, France 2023

Clape Cornas 2023 is a benchmark expression of old-school Northern Rhône Syrah from the steep granite slopes of Cornas. Produced from old vines and crafted in a deeply traditional, low-intervention style whole cluster fermentation and long aging in large neutral foudres it delivers a powerful, structured wine with intense black fruit, olive tapenade, smoked meat, violet, and peppery spice. The palate is dense and muscular yet finely balanced, with firm tannins and a long, mineral driven finish. It’s built for serious aging and represents one of the most classic, age worthy interpretations of Cornas, showing both raw power and remarkable finesse.

"A clear step up, the old vine cuvée 2023 Cornas has textbook smoky red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with game, peppery herbs, and violets. It's medium-bodied, has solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. This classic, impeccably made Clape will need just a few years of bottle age to shine and should evolve beautifully over the following 15+ years." Jeb Dunnuck 93-95