2015 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance

Superb open fragrance, much more willing to participate than the 2016. Herbal notes, violet and black fruit too, with a lightness of touch. Refreshing without sacrificing typicality. (RH)

Bright purple. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of boysenberry, cherry cola, violet and olive paste; a smoky nuance expands in the glass. Palate-staining black and blue fruit flavors pick up notes of star anise and candied flowers as the wine stretches out. Powerful but surprisingly energetic, finishing with excellent clarity and sneaky tannins that emerge slowly.

The 2015 Cornas Renaissance is sensational, and in the same league as the 2010, although it's made in much more forward, sexy and seamless style. While from the younger vines of the estate, we're still talking about 40- to 50-year-old vines, primarily in the Les Sabarotte and Geynale lieux-dits, made in the exact same way as the grand vin. Offering full-bodied richness, moderate acidity, and incredibly polished tannin, it's as drinkable as it gets, yet has plenty of muscle and fat. Huge notes of black cherries, blueberries, scorched earth, pepper, and game literally soar from the glass of this opaque purple/ruby colored gem that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 20 years or more. This tiny, yet undeniable reference-point estate in Cornas produces one of the most singular, distinct wines in the world. Run over the past few decades by Pierre-Marie Clape, the estate is slowly transitioning over the young, talented Olivier Clape. This is a bastion of traditional winemaking and the wines are not destemmed, see long fermentations, and are aged in ancient barrels and casks. The 2015s are certainly on par with what was accomplished in 2009 and 2010, and these are incredible, legendary wines in the making.