2019 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas

The 2019 Cornas flirts with perfection and isn't far off the heavenly 2015. As with the Renaissance, it has a sunny, perfumed, exotic character as well as an incredible bouquet of black cherries, blueberries, ground pepper, game, and leather. Full-bodied, massive, and concentrated on the palate, it packs substantial tannins, is perfectly balance, and has a great, great finish. Cornas doesn't get much better, ladies and gentlemen. Do your best to give bottles 4-5 years, and it will keep thereafter for two decades. Review Date: 12/2022

Inky ruby. An expansive and highly complex bouquet evokes mineral- and spice-tinged dark berry preserve, potpourri, olive paste and smoky bacon qualities on the deeply perfumed nose. Juicy, expansive and appealingly sweet, offering densely packed blueberry, kirsch, licorice, espresso and candied violet flavors that are supported by a core of juicy acidity. Slowly building tannins add grip to an impressively long, finely detailed finish that strongly echoes the floral and mineral notes. (JR) Review Date: 12/2022