94+ Starting with what could be considered the younger vine cuvée, the 2016 Cornas Renaissance boasts a saturated purple color as well as a heady, intense bouquet of black plums, cedarwood, iron, and incense. It’s a wild, exotic Cornas (and that’s Clape) that has full-bodied richness, a big mid-palate, and building tannins. It’s certainly more approachable than the grand vin, yet it needs a solid 4-5 years of bottle age to be drinkable.

Winey, with an intense core of steeped black currant, bitter plum and warm fig fruit flavors, backed by a range of charcoal, singed alder, bay leaf, cast iron and dark olive notes. Has a grippy edge, but this remains very well-integrated, revealing a steady, precise finish. Best from 2021 through 2040. — J.M.