2010 Auguste Clape “Le Vin des Amis” Vin de Table, France.
The Vin des Amis is from young Cornas vines and vines just outside the appellation, but don’t let that fool you, this Clape Syrah is an amazingly fine effort that oozes class and beauty. The 2009 and 2010 vintages are like a one two punch of greatness for the three generations of Clape winemakers, Auguste, his son Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier. While the 2009 was fuller and very intense for the Clape wines, but the vibrant 2010 is so stunning and pure I give it the nod in early tasting, and especially this 2010 le Vin des Amis with it’s slightly more subtle approach and medium weight it highlights the more feminine side of Syrah, like a baby Cote-Rotie in many ways with perfume of violets, white flowers and kirsch starting the magic before a clean and bright palate of plum, blueberry, boysenberry and black cherry fruits. The wine has so much life and sex appeal it is hard not to be seduced by it’s charms and the pepper spice, lavender, mineral streak and bitter coco notes just add to the joys of this pure Syrah. There is a touch of earthiness and game, but everything folds together perfectly and the acidity is lifting, providing sublime balance. Without question I’ll be drinking more than a few bottles of this wine in the near future and so should you.
($28 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com & imported by Kermit Lynch