2012ClapeCornasRenaissance2012 Auguste Clape, Cornas “Renaissance” Rhone Red, France.
A vigorous and vibrant Syrah of great natural intensity, character and charm the Clape Renaissance young vine cuvee is an exceptional wine with a nice play between nervy edginess and elegant purity. It is hard not to get lost in the vivid layers in this fine example of northern Rhone Syrah with it’s complex elements all firing on all cylinders and with air a magical inner beauty comes shinning through, this is a Cornas for old school Burgundy lovers and will of course appeal to Clape’s loyal fans that covet this amazing small production wine. This is a focused and lively Syrah with a heady mix of spice and flowers on the bouquet, a massive dose of mineral/iron and wild game add to the excitement before a palate filled with classic black, blue and red fruits, anise, celery root, camphor and white pepper. After decanting, flowing violets, boysenberry, blueberry and kirsch notes come into play along with chalky stones, dusty damson plum, tangy currant and salted black licorice as well as cedar, minty herb, bacon and lavender oil. While not as glorious as the old vine Cornas, the Renaissance is a great wine and really stands out in a crowd, I highly recommend grabbing this 2012 vintage, it has potential to age well and still can be enjoyed in it’s youth, the vintage is rather juicy and dynamic with solid tannins that gain smoothness with air, best to decant, and forward acidity that lifts the fruit, this is savvy and alluring wine, best from 2017 to 2023, this again is a super fine Syrah of almost reckless hedonistic pleasure and verve, don’t miss!
($79 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive

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