Producer: Domaine Auguste Clape 
Region: Cornas, Rhone, France  
Varietal: Syrah  
Year: 2018 

Vinous, 94-95 Points 

"Powerful, mineral-driven aromas of ripe black/blue fruits, candied flowers, olive, musky earth and exotic spices. Densely packed and animated on the palate, offering bitter cherry, blueberry and spicecake flavors that unwind slowly with air and show fine delineation. The blue fruit and floral notes drive an impressively long, spice-laced finish that's given shape by fine-grained, slowly building tannins." 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"I like the fresh herbal elements on the nose here, it lifts the aromatics. There's a liquorice and menthol edge to the blackcurrant fruit. Medium-bodied, quite fluid on the palate but has real intensity and bite. The tannins are ripe and round but assertive. Has a good sense of depth and resonance.Really delicious now, I would drink this straight away, but will no doubt age well. Drink now, or from 2026. Drinking Window 2021 - 2034." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 92-94 Points 

"Moving to the Cornas releases, all of which were tasted from foudre and tank, the 2018 Cornas Renaissance will be a mix of different terroirs and young and older vines. All the samples had distinct yet certainly classic Clape character, with vibrant blue and black fruits, pepper, and ample gaminess. There are enough tannins here to warrant short-term cellaring, but it should keep for 15+ years." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.