2010 Cornas Renaissance
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Tasting notes
Opaque ruby. Powerful, somewhat brooding aromas of dark berry compote, cola, olive and licorice, with a building mineral quality adding vibrancy. Sappy, deeply pitched blackberry and cassis flavors are lifted by juicy acidity and gain sweetness with air. Shows outstanding clarity and energy on the finish, which features dusty tannins and sweet, clinging blackberry and violet pastille notes.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Cornas Renaissance may be the finest example of the cuvee I have yet tasted. This offering represents about one-third of the Clape production and tends to come from two well-known sites in the natural amphitheater of Cornas, Les Sabarottes and Geynale. This astonishing 2010 boasts a black/purple color along with gorgeous, explosive aromatics consisting of blue and black fruits and spring flowers, a full-bodied, layered texture and superb intensity. Very pure with sweet tannin, it was bottled unfiltered after 22 months in primarily foudre, and should drink well for two decades. An historic reference point in Cornas is the estate of the retired Auguste Clape, which has been run over the last decade by his talented son, Pierre-Marie. This estate may have produced their finest wines to date in 2009, but the 2011s and 2010s rival anything produced at this family-owned, tiny boutique producer. They offer two cuvees of Cornas with the Renaissance representing their younger vines (although most of those are between 30 and 50 years of age). The top cuvee, simply called Cornas, has been a favorite of mine since the late seventies. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
Tasted in two components: #1, a blend of Tezier and Patou: intense red berry and floral scents and flavors, with a spicy overtone. Juicy and precise, finishing with excellent cut and sweetness. #2, from young vines in Reynard: much darker in profile, showing deep cherry and blackcurrant character and a strong licorice quality. Dusty tannins add shape and grip on the back end. Some lots that don't make the cut for the Cornas classique will also be included in the final blend.
The 2010 Cornas Renaissance may be the finest example of the cuvee I have yet tasted. This offering represents about one-third of the Clape production and tends to come from two well-known sites in the natural amphitheater of Cornas, Les Sabarottes and Geynale. This astonishing 2010 boasts a black/purple color along with gorgeous, explosive aromatics consisting of blue and black fruits and spring flowers, a full-bodied, layered texture and superb intensity. Very pure with sweet tannin, it was bottled unfiltered after 22 months in primarily foudre, and should drink well for two decades. Dec 2012, www.robertparker.com