Domaine Auguste Clape Cotes du Rhone, France 2023

In the world of wine, there are many good winegrowers. However, there are only a very select few who are truly great, and Auguste Clape will go down in history as one of the greats. A proud and uncompromising pioneer of fine winemaking in the Northern Rhône, his Syrahs from the cru of Cornas have earned their place among the most celebrated wines of France. These Cornas are capable of tremendous longevity in the cellar, although Kermit also encourages trying them while they are young and fresh, to better appreciate the evolution to come. For a taste of the old-style Syrah from the fabulous, sculptured slopes of the Northern Rhône, Clape’s Cornas is the only place to start.

The Côtes du Rhône is crafted from a selection of young-vine Cornas and older Syrah on deeper clay soils just outside the appellation. Sturdy and mineral-driven, it tastes like the grapes were prompted, gently but insistently, to eke out the pure essence of Syrah. It can be enjoyed young, but has enough density and chewy flesh to age for up to a decade.

" A solid step up, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône reveals red and black fruits, pepper, iron, spice, and violet notes. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced on the palate, it shows classic Clape character and impressive length. This beautiful wine will drink nicely over the coming 8-10 years." Jeb Dunnuck 91