Finding adequate words to place August Clape into the context of Northern Rhone's history is difficult. Of course, being the original producer in Cornas to bottle under his own label is a notch on the belt. Working exclusively by hand, still today, on these treacherously steep terraces is another. A visit to the cellar might personify the strongest quality of the family's ties to tradition, as today the barrels appear to be the same we see pictured below. With Auguste still working closely with son, Pierre-Marie, and grandson, Olivier, the rustic yet hautingly pure wines from this address are still the stuff of legends. Today's offer features the anticipated 2015 release, as well as back-vintage gems like 1989, 1990, and 1999.

Clape's 5.5 hectares of vines in Cornas cover over 10  parcels, such as Reynard and Chaillot from Allemand fame, as well as Nöel Verset's cherished, Sabarotte. This dizzying array of Cornas terroir plays a huge role in the success that's spanned so many decades here. The wines are produced in the most traditional fashion with 100% whole cluster fermentation and aging in old barrels, with the two Cornas cuvées seeing 22 months in large foudre. With time the wines maintain a chiseled frame, but begin to show a delicacy that's rare for this appellation known for it's wild character.

The style of the domaine has always been one that's pushed ripeness as far as possible, choosing to pick at the last moment before the ominous fall rains begin. This style of fruit-forward Cornas coming from porous granite soils endow the wines with tremendous structure, but with a pleasurable side of lusciousness. Unlike Hermitage and Côte Rôtie, the arguement is often made that of the Big 3 Cornas offers an up-front approachability thanks to its warm amphitheater setting. With rich and concentrated vintages like 2015 this element of charm is front and center. But, the typically savage, scorched earth quality where Cornas derives its name is the foundation of the wines from this fabled domaine.

2015 Clape Cornas
$139 per bottle.

2015 Clape Cornas Renaissance
Sourced from younger vines. Fermentation and aging is the same as the Cornas.
$99 per bottle.

2015 Clape Côtes du Rhone
100% Syrah from 30-50-yr-old vines. Aged 6 months in cement, and another 6 months in foudre. 2% is comprised of free fun juice from young vine Cornas.
$45 per bottle.

Also Available:

1989 Clape Cornas (January Arrival)
$459 per bottle.

1990 Clape Cornas (January Arrival)
$742 per bottle.

1999 Clape Cornas
$299 per bottle.

2006 Clape Cornas
$159 per bottle.

2014 Clape Côtes du Rhône
100% Syrah from 30-50-yr-old vines. Aged 6 months in cement, and another 6 months in foudre. 2% is comprised of free fun juice from young vine Cornas.
$48 per bottle.

2016 Clape Côtes du Rhone
100% Syrah from 30-50-yr-old vines. Aged 6 months in cement, and another 6 months in foudre. 2% is comprised of free fun juice from young vine Cornas.
$50 per bottle.