2008 Cornas
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Tasting notes
Compared to the remarkable 2010 that preceded it in this tasting, the 2008 Clape Cornas comes off as relatively easygoing, by Cornas standards, with velvety texture and discreet tannins framing red fruit, floral and spicecake flavors. There’s a core of juicy acidity here that adds to the impression of freshness, and the finish is long and quite smooth. While it’s ready to drink, this wine’s brightness should help it continue to age gracefully as well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Any wine following these two behemoths is in a tough spot, but Clape’s 2008 Cornas showed beautifully, with pretty pepper, green olive, earthy underbrush and plenty of black and red fruit characteristics all emerging from the glass. Medium-bodied, elegant and layered, it’s a classy drink that will have a decade or so of overall longevity. Always a fun visit, this small vertical took place in Clape’s cellar in Cornas, with Pierre-Marie Clape, who’s now running the estate. We also tasted through multiple barrels of their 2012s and 2013s, but I’ll wait and include that commentary in the northern Rhone report due out in October. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
Deep ruby. A complex bouquet offers raspberry, cherry pit, violet and spice cake, with an intense mineral quality. Deeper, darker fruits on the palate, along with suggestions of allspice and licorice pastille. Shows fine-grained tannins and tangy mineral spine, with a suave blend of richness and vivacity. The very persistent finish is taut and focused, with lingering licorice and spice nuances.
From Sabarotte (50% of this cask will go into the Renaissance): Inky dark berry and cherry aromas. Spicy blackberry and cassis flavors are complicated by smoky herbal and floral notes. Long, sappy finish. From La Cote: Richer and more powerful than the Sabarotte, with weighty red and dark berry aromas and flavors, chewy texture and strong finishing grip. Gains freshness and sweetness with air. Tannins are folded into the fruit. From old-vines Reynard: Spicy red berries and minerals on the nose. Lively, mineral-driven red berry and cherry flavors and silky tannins. Minerals repeat on the long, spicy finish, which offers strong cut.