The 2020 Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance is a Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France, specifically the Cornas appellation. This red wine has garnered significant attention from professional reviewers, with most rating it highly for its balance and complexity.
James Suckling awarded the wine 96 points, describing it as having "a delicate nose of forest berries, dark cherries, blackcurrants, undergrowth, stones and baking spices." He noted the wine's medium body, but emphasized its intensity and concentration. Suckling praised its balance and harmony, highlighting the "finely grained tannins, a pure and juicy core of berries, and crisp acidity." He suggested that the wine would be best after 2025, indicating its potential for aging.
Jeb Dunnuck echoed Suckling's high praise, also giving the wine 96 points and referring to it as "rock star juice." Dunnuck highlighted the wine's "awesome red, blue, and black fruit, charred meats, pepper, and liquid violet notes," describing it as full-bodied with a round, layered mouthfeel. He mentioned that the wine has "beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish," and recommended a drinking window starting in 2-4 years, lasting over two decades.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provided a somewhat different perspective, giving a range of 91-94 points. The review detailed two components that will make up the bulk of the wine: one from Patou with mentholated red plum notes and chewy tannins, and another from Reynard with cassis fruit, silky tannins, and great freshness. The Advocate described it as a medium to full-bodied wine, suitable for drinking over the next 10-15 years.
Vinous rated the wine 93 points and described it as "delicious," noting its aromatics of "crushed violet, cured meat, menthol and black fruit." The review also mentioned peppery layers that add complexity. Vinous highlighted its concentration and ripeness, predicting that the wine will be a "long-distance runner" with its persistent and complex finish.
Overall, the 2020 Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance is a highly regarded Syrah, praised for its balance, complexity, and potential for aging. With high scores from multiple reviewers, this wine stands out as an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.