2020 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance

Auguste Clape first came to Cornas in 1949 to marry his wife Henriette whose family owned 5 hectares of vineyards in the appellation. Today his son, Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier Clape run the estate, which is considered to be the benchmark producer in the region. They farm 5.38 acres of Cornas including a resounding 3 hectares on the granitic soils of what is the finest plot in Cornas - Reynards. An “old-style” producer with no destemming, wild yeast ferments that take place in concrete vats and aging in older, neutral foudres for 20 months before bottling without filtration. If you seek a traditional Syrah from the sun-drenched, terraced slopes of the Northern Rhône, the stunning wines of Auguste Clape should be at the top of your list.

Other Reviews....
I tasted two components that will make up the bulk of the 2020 Cornas Renaissance, both still in foudre. From Patou and 15- to 20-year-old vines, a medium to full-bodied sample featuring mentholated red plum notes, chewy tannins and mouthwatering acids (90 - 92). From Reynard and 30-year-old vines, a medium to full-bodied sample that showed more cassis fruit, silky tannins and great freshness (93 - 95). They should make a lovely Cornas for drinking over the next 10-15 years. Drink 2023 - 2035.
91-94 points
Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 21, 2022)

Dark violet. Offers dark berry preserves, fruitcake, smoky minerals, olive and pungent flower notes on the highly perfumed nose. Stains the palate with sappy black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors; black pepper and mineral accents add lift and back-end cut. Quite deep but energetic as well, finishing on a building tannic note and with impressive, dark fruit-dominated persistence.
95-96 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous

A delicate nose of forest berries, dark cherries, blackcurrants, undergrowth, stones and baking spices. Medium body yet so ample and intense. Great concentration at the center, expanding all along. It’s well-balanced and harmonious with finely grained tannins, a pure and juicy core of berries, and crisp acidity. Expansive and long finish. Best after 2025.
96 points
JamesSuckling.com

I loved the 2020 Cornas Renaissance, a ripe, fleshy, supple, and already undeniably delicious Cornas. Darker berries, plums, garrigue, and peppery game notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with lots of fruit and texture. It should evolve nicely for 10-12 years or more, and there's no harm in opening bottles now either. Drink 2022 - 2035.
93 points
Jeb Dunnuck