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
‘Compact nose, locked nose. Has the classic tension and grip of Cornas. Plenty of fruit concentration but not much complexity of flavour right now. Some leathery notes on the finish.’ - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Jan 2018)'
'Even the "early-drinking" 2019 Cornas Renaissance needs some time in the cellar. It's full-bodied, dense and tannic, with notes of horse liniment and cassis, plus savory undertones of black olive. Rich, velvety textured and long on the finish, it looks to be a solid effort.’ - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, 92-94/100
‘Beautiful, with rosemary and lavender notes out front, followed quickly by vivid blackberry and cassis flavors that stream through the finish, all underscored by a mouthwatering chalky detail. Still a bit youthfully grippy, but this is vivacious and should gain from cellaring. Best from 2016 through 2026.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100
‘The 2012 Cornas Renaissance from Auguste Clape represents his entry-level cuvée, so it was no surprise to find it loaded with unassuming, easygoing charm. The bouquet is open for business, presenting brambly red fruit, leather and white pepper that are instantly likable. The palate is soft but not flabby, offering plush red berry fruit, tobacco and candied orange peel notes. The tannins are fine and supple, and as such, I would drink this over the next 5–8 years.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Oct 2020)
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