Domaine Clape “Le Vin des Amis” Syrah, Rhone Valley, France 2020

Auguste Clape was one of the titans of Syrah in the Northern Rhone, always mentioned among the greatest of the region. The wines are wholly traditional - with native, whole cluster fermentations and large neutral cask. August passed away at 93 years of age in 2018. Today, the domain is in good hands, with his son Pierre Marie and grandson Olivier reading the winemaking and perhaps, making wines with a bit more freshness and focus. The domaine makes several wines, including a blockbuster Cornas. This wine - Le Vin des Amis, even with whimsical names, is very serious. It is a blend of younger vine Cornas and some parcels south of the village of Cornas. 

​​Deep, shimmering violet. High-pitched red and dark berry aromas are complemented by exotic spice, smoked meat and floral pastille accents. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cassis and candied violet flavors sharpened by a spicy hint of cracked pepper. Shows sharp definition and no rough edges on a very long, floral-driven finish framed by fine-grained tannins. -- Josh Raynolds Vinous