The 2021 Auguste Clape Cornas Syrah is a red wine from the Northern Rhone region of France, specifically from the Cornas appellation. Produced by the esteemed Clape, Auguste, this wine is crafted from Syrah grapes and showcases a classic expression of the region's terroir.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 98 points, describing it as "a chiseled, textured, ample and very precise Cornas red." He notes that the nose is complex, revealing "dark cherries, plums, currants, wild herbs, crushed stones, undergrowth and baking spices." He highlights the wine's medium body and finely grained tannins, emphasizing its "impressive concentration and intensity." Suckling also praises its bright acidity and the succulent core of purple fruit, white pepper, and violet notes, concluding that it has a "long, peppery finish" with hints of violets. He suggests that this wine will reach its peak after 2026.
Decanter also gave high praise to the 2021 vintage, with a score of 96 points. They describe it as a "fresh, well-balanced style of Cornas" with high acidity and "classically Cornas" tannins, which are granitic in grain and intensity. According to Decanter, this vintage lacks the rich fruitiness of recent years but is highly structured and should age well. They call it "a classic year," contrasting it with the more powerfully ripe and rich vintages since 2017. The wine was whole-bunch fermented in concrete and aged in old foudres, which adds to its traditional character. Decanter recommends drinking it between 2032 and 2043.
In summary, the 2021 Auguste Clape Cornas Syrah is a highly regarded wine that exemplifies the classic style of Cornas. With its complex nose, finely grained tannins, and bright acidity, it has garnered excellent reviews from notable wine critics. This vintage promises to age gracefully and is a must-try for dedicated Cornas lovers.