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Cornas, Domaine Auguste Clape 2009

RegionRhône
Subregion France > Rhône > Northern Rhône > Cornas
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietySyrah

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Tasting Notes

Tasting the 2009 Cornas reminds me of a lyric from the great Who anthem, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." As close to perfect as a Cornas can be, this is the single greatest Cornas I have ever tasted. Its black/purple color is accompanied by notes of blueberry liqueur, blackberries, charcoal, incense, licorice and a subtle notion of smoke. This seamless, full-bodied, exquisitely pure, complex, savory blockbuster is the most remarkable Cornas I have ever tasted. It will hit full maturity in 5-7 years, and should last for 25-30 years thereafter.

99
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (198), December 2011

From old vines (close to a century in age) in Sabarotte: Pungent aromas of licorice and cassis, with a sexy floral quality and a hint of licorice pastille. Very good clarity on the powerful, clinging finish. From 50-year-old vines in La Cote: Deeply pitched cassis and plum aromas, with pungent floral and herb qualities. Lush and expansive dark fruit compote flavors and intense spiciness. Seriously long and chewy. From 80+ year-old vines in Reynard: Hypnotically perfumed bouquet of red and dark berries, with a sexy floral quality. Very rich but lively as well; shows great depth and richness, with intense raspberry and mulberry character.

92/94
Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, January 2011

Perhaps the finest Cornas I have ever tasted from Clape, the flagship 2009 Cornas comes from the estate's oldest vines. My notes begin with the words, "his greatest ever?" Fresh fig, blueberry, charcoal, incense, licorice and burning ember-like aromas are present in this phenomenally concentrated, textured, seamlessly constructed blockbuster. The tannin, acidity and alcohol are all well-integrated in this 2009 that sees no new oak. A legend in the making, it should drink well for 20-25 years.

95/97
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (193), February 2011
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.