Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas 2004
Domaine Auguste Clape
Considered the best in the appellation, Clape's 'Renaissance' is extremely deep purple--almost black--with a bountiful nose of rich and complex aromas of dried fruits, liquorice, spice and pepper. Powerful on the palate, the wine shows rich, concentrated, fruity tannins that last through a magnificent, long finish. These wines need at least 5 or 6 years in bottle before they will open up, but are at their best after 10 years.
Wine Spectator
Dark and muscular, this is loaded with dark bramble, bittersweet cocoa, currant and game notes that rumble through a tar- and tapenade-filled finish. Built uncompromisingly for the cellar. Best from 2009 through 2017.
Score: 92.
—James Molesworth,
December
31,
2007.
Wine Advocate
There are always two cuvees of Cornas, and like some of the most traditional producers I taste, the wines are often better out of bottle than the barrel and/or foudre samples. That is the case with 2004, where both wines revealed significantly more flavor and intensity than they did last year. The 2004 Cornas Renaissance has a dark ruby purple color, a sweet nose of plum, blackberry, licorice, and smoke, a beautiful, round, opulent texture, and surprising length, richness, and headiness. This is a terrific effort in this challenging vintage. Drink it over the next decade.
Score: 92.
—Robert Parker,
April
2007.
Wine Enthusiast
Seems to have almost a hint of acetate on the nose, but there’s no evidence of volatility on the mildly creamy palate, where bright cherry fruit is accented by cracked peppercorns. Turns a bit chewier on the finish, but remains balanced. Drink 2008–2014.
Score: 90.
—Joe Czerwinski,
September
01,
2007.
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I rate wines using the 100-points scale. I have used this point system for close to 25 years. I still believe it is the simplest way to rate a wine, with its origins from grade school in the United States. A wine that I rate 90 points or more is outstanding (A), and worth buying. If I rate a wine 95 points or more (A+), it is a must buy.
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