2019 Auguste Clape, Cornas 1x750ml

Vinous 97

Inky ruby. An expansive and highly complex bouquet evokes mineral- and spice-tinged dark berry preserve, potpourri, olive paste and smoky bacon qualities on the deeply perfumed nose. Juicy, expansive and appealingly sweet, offering densely packed blueberry, kirsch, licorice, espresso and candied violet flavors that are supported by a core of juicy acidity. Slowly building tannins add grip to an impressively long, finely detailed finish that strongly echoes the floral and mineral notes. [Josh Raynolds, 12/22/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2037

Robert Parker 96

Tremendously dense and powerful, the 2019 Cornas is a dazzling, dark-fruited beast that’s loaded with mint, cassis and licorice notes. Full-bodied and almost overflowing with intensity, it somehow manages to pull all that impressive richness and extract into a silky, fine-grained finish of amazing length and elegance. Unless you are hell-bent on trying it on release, give it some time in the cellar—it should be peaking around 2035 or so. [Joe Czerwinski, 09/15/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2045