1988 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas

The 1988 Cornas is a more tender style of Cornas than I am used to from Clape; it is not as concentrated as the 1989. It also comes across as lighter, softer, and not nearly as rich and full as most of this estate's wines tend to be. It is drinking surprisingly well at the moment. While some may applaud both the 1989's and 1988's lack of the forbiddingly raw, hard tannin that the savage wines of Cornas can possess, it is those characteristics that I feel make Cornas so distinctive, and repay those who cellar it for 10 or more years. Last tasted 1/96.