2005 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas

One of the more backwards, tannic and austere vintages from this estate, Clape’s 2005 Cornas sports a still youthful ruby color to go with lots of crushed rock-like minerality, violets, pepper and gamy, meaty nuances on the nose. These flow to a medium-bodied, firm, tight Cornas that has bright acidity, good concentration and plenty of tannin. It’s not much fun to drink today and needs another 2-3 years of bottle age to hopefully open up; the overall tannin balance will need watching here.

Bright ruby. Strikingly fresh aromas of red berries, kirsch, incense and cured meat; turned even brighter with air, emphasizing raspberry and blackberry. Supple strawberry and raspberry flavors betray no rough edges and gain a compelling spiciness on the long, sappy finish. Wonderfully spherical for Cornas.

Inky ruby. Powerful, utterly captivating aromas of kirsch, raspberry, blackcurrant and potpourri, with subtle smoked meat and graphite elements. Pure and very sweet, with densely packed but expressive red and dark berry flavors, molten tannins and a vibrant back end. Tightens up on the finish but this is a riot of sweet, remarkably concentrated fruit with breathtaking purity and persistence.