Syrah
75cl * 13% * Northern Rhone, France
Cornas was once regarded as the most stubborn wine in the cellar: traditionally, it could take a decade or more for the tannins to soften and for the wine to show its true character. But modern styles are made with such an inherent ability to please that they can be enjoyed after only a few years in bottle.
Auguste Clape was a pioneer of growing quality Syrah in the Northern Rhone and is widely recognised as one of the greatest growers of the region. 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.
Drinking Window: Now - 2032
"The flagship wine, the 2011 Cornas exhibits classic notes of blackberries, cassis, camphor, incense, violets and hints of forest floor as well as steak tartare, a sensational texture, a full-bodied opulence, and terrific richness. This remarkable Cornas can be drunk early or cellared for 15-20 years." 96+/100 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Dec 2012)
"Moving to the current releases that are in bottle, the 2011 Cornas belies the vintage's forward, mid-weight stereotype with its massive, deep and layer profile. Possessing brilliant minerality, as well as notions of dry aged beef, cracked pepper, forest floor and sweet black currants, this full-bodied beauty has a stacked mid-palate, big structure and masses of sweet tannin on the finish. The minerality is really something here and this is reminiscent of filling your mouth with granite pebbles. It's a resounding success in the vintage and will deliver the goods for upwards of two decades." 95/100 Points Jeb Dunnock, December 2013