Cornas, Domaine Auguste Clape 2020

The 2020 Cornas is even better, ranking with some of the finest Cornas I've ever tasted. Deep purple-hued, with insane aromatics of bloody blue fruits, liquid violets, graphite, pepper, and smoked meats, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel, building yet ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. It offers pleasure even now but will be best from 2034-2054. It will be interesting to see if this shuts down after a few years (as most top vintages of Clape tend to do), but I wouldn't be surprised to see this evolve along the lines of the 2010, which is absolutely singing today! Drink 2034 - 2054.

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.

A fragrant nose of blackberries, dark cherries, wild herbs, baking spices, stones and black pepper. Medium body with fine, firm tannins. It has volume and structure, but remains extremely agile. It has bright acidity and a vibrant peppery character, giving vitality and tension on the palate. Well-rounded and vivid with a succulent and textured, long developing finish. Best after 2026.

The flagship 2020 Cornas is a beauty! Clearly in the same league as recent top vintages, it has a wild bouquet of black and blue fruits, liquid violets, game, and iron, with some incense and spice thrown in for good measure. It's slightly more round and sexy compared to the more powerful 2019, but it’s perfectly balanced, with ripe tannins and a great finish. This heavenly Cornas will be drinkable in just 3-4 years and evolve for two decades. 2026 - 2046