The 2018 Clape Cornas Renaissance is their highest scoring Renaissance in more than a decade and if the 2016 is anything to go by, one can't afford to miss out on it (none was made in 2017 due to low yields). Made from 25-year-old vines, it has the trademark concentration and meaty tannins of a Clape Cornas with a long, focused and delicate finish. Ever so slightly more approachable than the Cornas, but with potential to age for another 15 years.
'The white from this estate is underrated, and readers should snatch up bottles if given a chance,' writes Jeb Dunnuck of the 2018 Clape Saint-Péray. Made from 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, it is exquisite. Gunflinty and pure fruit, it has incredible length and finesse. Clape's Vin des Amis 2019 is at it sounds – an irresistible charmer, floral with wild dark fruit, to be shared among good friends. The quality to price ratio is exceptional.
As part of our three-part Northern Rhône Privé series, including the wines from Auguste Clape, Jean-Paul Jamet and Alain Graillot, we ask to please send us your request by next Wednesday, the 26th of January.
In our previous tasting of the Northern Rhône reds, Clape's Cornas 2016 stole the show with its powerful structure, complexity and great length. After an icy winter, and rainy spring, summer was hot in 2018. The resulting wines are intense, powerful yet vibrant.
