Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley and more….
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 13 May 2024
Rhône
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
The late Auguste Clape first went to Cornas in 1949 to marry his wife Henriette whose family owned 5 hectares of vines in the appellation. For many years, most growers in Cornas sold their fruit to négociants but Auguste became a local legend when he became the first to make wine from his own grapes instead of selling them. This decision set the tone for the future of Cornas. Today, his son Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier Clape run the estate. Although they only farm 8 hectares, the tightly stacked and terraced vineyards present a huge challenge. The sharp precipices make the use of any machinery impossible and, as a result, all the work must be done by hand. Clape’s powerful and authentic Syrahs, produced from the region’s best granite soils, have become world renowned and are among the most celebrated wines of France. They only produce two cuvées – the Cornas, from 40 to 90-year-old vines, and the Cornas Renaissance which is produced from their younger vines.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Deep, berry-driven nose. Very compact and intense. Very Cornas; very Clape. Dark chocolate on the palate, coffee and smoke, rounded tannins but there is far more flavour complexity still locked up – this one needs patience.’ - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18+/20 (May 2023)
‘The Cornas of the vintage is Clape’s 2012 Cornas. An incredible effort, its inky purple/black color is followed by spectacular aromas and flavors of black raspberry, graphite, beef blood, iron, cedar and white pepper (among other things). This is Cornas at its finest, with insane aromatics, full-bodied richness and massive concentration, yet at the same time staying elegant, seamless and gorgeously pure. It’s more approachable than the 2010, but should still need 3-4 years of cellaring and have two decades of longevity.’ - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 98/100
‘Gorgeous, with captivating aromas of rosemary, lavender, violet and warmed cherry preserves, followed by vivid black currant, boysenberry and plum pâte de fruit flavors. Shows ample olive, pepper and bay leaf notes in reserve, with serious chalky grip for the long haul. This has power, purity and terroir for days. The benchmark estate of the AOC. Best from 2018 through 2032.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 96/100
‘From an abundant vintage, the 2012 Clape Cornas has always been on the somewhat forward side and is drinking quite well right now. Displaying plenty of exotic floral and spice character to go along with its juicy black raspberry and cherry flavors, this is a highly appealing, graceful midweight wine, with a hint of smoked meat appearing on the gently tannic, long and incisive finish.’ - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 94/100 (March 2020)
Other lots that might interest you
