97-98 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "[$207 list] Glass-staining ruby. Intensely perfumed dark berry preserve, violet oil, olive, cured meat and woodsmoke scents show fine definition and vibrant spice- and mineral-driven lift. Offers palate-staining, spice-laced blackberry, bitter cherry, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors that deepen and open up steadily through the midpalate, while maintaining energy. The strikingly long, penetrating finish features youthfully chewy tannins, a sweet touch of cola and lingering floral and exotic spice qualities. All whole clusters and no new oak, as usual. (Dec 2022)"
97 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "A vibrant, focused and intense style of Cornas, a return to a classic style after the richness of 2018 and the power of 2019. Their Renaissance will be made this year, so both wines will need to be bottled before a more precise evaluation of each blend can be made, but the outlook is good. Whole-bunch fermented in unlined concrete tanks, matured in small old foudres. Drink: 2026-2039. (Oct 2021)"
95-97+ points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "I tasted four different components of the 2020 Cornas from foudre. From 40-year-old vines in La Côte, a medium to full-bodied sample with attractive menthol, red plum and violet notes, ample structure but a bit short (92 - 94). From 50- to 60-year-old vines in La Sabarotte, an earthier, more savory example, with a rich, velvety texture and crisp acids (93 - 95). From 60- to 70-year-old vines in La Côte, a wine that seems to have it all: intense cassis, crushed stone, licorice and black olives, plus amazing richness and length (97 - 99). And finally, from old vines in Reynard, a breathtaking, hauntingly floral rendition marked by purple raspberries and fantastic concentration (98 - 100). The blend should be terrific. Drink: 2026-2045. (Jan 2022)"
95-97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "As with the Renaissance, the 2020 Cornas was tasted from a handful of ancient foudres, and this cuvée gets the older vines of the estate as well as a good portion from the Reynard lieu-dit. This always tends to be more structured, concentrated, and tannic, yet all of the 2020s appear to be elegant and more finesse-driven, while certainly not lacking in structure. These are pure, classic, textbook Clape Cornas in the making. (2/16/22)"
97 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "A vibrant, focused and intense style of Cornas, a return to a classic style after the richness of 2018 and the power of 2019. Their Renaissance will be made this year, so both wines will need to be bottled before a more precise evaluation of each blend can be made, but the outlook is good. Whole-bunch fermented in unlined concrete tanks, matured in small old foudres. Drink: 2026-2039. (Oct 2021)"
95-97+ points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "I tasted four different components of the 2020 Cornas from foudre. From 40-year-old vines in La Côte, a medium to full-bodied sample with attractive menthol, red plum and violet notes, ample structure but a bit short (92 - 94). From 50- to 60-year-old vines in La Sabarotte, an earthier, more savory example, with a rich, velvety texture and crisp acids (93 - 95). From 60- to 70-year-old vines in La Côte, a wine that seems to have it all: intense cassis, crushed stone, licorice and black olives, plus amazing richness and length (97 - 99). And finally, from old vines in Reynard, a breathtaking, hauntingly floral rendition marked by purple raspberries and fantastic concentration (98 - 100). The blend should be terrific. Drink: 2026-2045. (Jan 2022)"
95-97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "As with the Renaissance, the 2020 Cornas was tasted from a handful of ancient foudres, and this cuvée gets the older vines of the estate as well as a good portion from the Reynard lieu-dit. This always tends to be more structured, concentrated, and tannic, yet all of the 2020s appear to be elegant and more finesse-driven, while certainly not lacking in structure. These are pure, classic, textbook Clape Cornas in the making. (2/16/22)"
| Product SKU | 346533 |
| Producer | Clape |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône |
| SubRegion | Northern Rhône |
| Appellation | Cornas |
| Varietal | Syrah/Shiraz |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Ships To |
