Domaine August Clape, Cornas, 2020

$185.00

Domaine Auguste Clape stands at the pinnacle of Cornas, an estate whose wines define the appellation and remain some of the most sought-after expressions of Syrah in the Northern Rhône. The family’s approach has barely changed in decades: whole-cluster fermentation, long aging in old foudres, and zero shortcuts. Their holdings span some of Cornas’s best slopes, including Patou, Reynard, and Sabarotte, giving the blend its unmistakable authenticity.

The 2020 vintage is powerful yet incredibly pure. The nose brings blackberry, black olive, smoked meat, and dark spice, with a hint of crushed herbs from the whole clusters. The palate is intense but balanced, carrying dense dark fruit, firm tannins, and the savory, iron-tinged character that marks great Cornas. The finish is long, structured, and layered, built for long aging, but already showing impressive clarity.

For collectors, this is exactly the kind of vintage that cements Clape’s reputation. It’s authoritative, muscular, and deeply rooted in place. It’s a wine that will reward patience and remain a benchmark for the region for years to come.

Varietal: Syrah
Appellation: Cornas, Northern Rhône, France
Farming: Traditional, sustainably farmed steep terraces
Style: Red. Structured, dark, and age-worthy

Domaine Auguste Clape stands at the pinnacle of Cornas, an estate whose wines define the appellation and remain some of the most sought-after expressions of Syrah in the Northern Rhône. The family’s approach has barely changed in decades: whole-cluster fermentation, long aging in old foudres, and zero shortcuts. Their holdings span some of Cornas’s best slopes, including Patou, Reynard, and Sabarotte, giving the blend its unmistakable authenticity.

The 2020 vintage is powerful yet incredibly pure. The nose brings blackberry, black olive, smoked meat, and dark spice, with a hint of crushed herbs from the whole clusters. The palate is intense but balanced, carrying dense dark fruit, firm tannins, and the savory, iron-tinged character that marks great Cornas. The finish is long, structured, and layered, built for long aging, but already showing impressive clarity.

For collectors, this is exactly the kind of vintage that cements Clape’s reputation. It’s authoritative, muscular, and deeply rooted in place. It’s a wine that will reward patience and remain a benchmark for the region for years to come.

Varietal: Syrah
Appellation: Cornas, Northern Rhône, France
Farming: Traditional, sustainably farmed steep terraces
Style: Red. Structured, dark, and age-worthy