2005 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance
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Tasting notes
The dense purple-colored 2005 Cornas Renaissance reveals dry, hard tannins, some meatiness, red and black fruits, a touch of violets, and a broodingly backward personality. Give it 2-4 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 15. Given the world-wide reputation of Clape, it is sometimes hard to realize that father Auguste and son Pierre-Marie only farm about 11 acres of Cornas. However, their biggest holding is in ancient vines from one of the appellation’s tenderloin parcels, the lieu-dit called Reynards. A traditionally made wine, Clape’s Cornas is harvested when very ripe, sees no destemming, and spends 18-24 months in old wood casks. The Renaissance is fashioned from the younger vines. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
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Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Ruby-red. Seductively perfumed bouquet of red and dark berries, cracked pepper, fresh flowers and smoky minerals. Sweet red fruits on the palate, with supple tannins adding shape to the long, luscious finish. This is very open and fruity today.
Deep ruby. Highly expressive, classic syrah nose shows pungent, olive-accented raspberry, strawberry and violet scents. Very sweet, with strong red berry flavors and a late hit of candied licorice. Finishes impressively long, with a strong impression of energy.