2021 Domaine Auguste Clape Le Vin des Amis

Auguste Clape first came to Cornas in 1949 to marry his wife Henriette whose family owned 5 hectares of vineyards in the appellation. Today his son, Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier Clape run the estate, which is considered to be the benchmark producer in the region. They farm 5.38 acres of Cornas including a resounding 3 hectares on the granitic soils of what is the finest plot in Cornas - Reynards. An “old-style” producer with no destemming, wild yeast ferments that take place in concrete vats and aging in older, neutral foudres for 20 months before bottling without filtration. If you seek a traditional Syrah from the sun-drenched, terraced slopes of the Northern Rhône, the stunning wines of Auguste Clape should be at the top of your list.

While Le Vin des Amis may be the entry point for the Domaine, it's no less serious and age worthy than their other bottlings. Sourced from various plots of Syrah vineyards situated between the village of Cornas and the Rhone river, the average vine age is 40 years. Le Vin des Amis is fermented and aged in cement tanks before spending two months in oak foudres prior to bottling.

Other Reviews....
Glimmering violet color. Mineral-accented dark berries and licorice on the pungent, incisive nose. Offers gently sweet blackberry, blueberry and bitter cherry flavors that show very good clarity and spicy lift. A floral note appears on the nicely tannic, persistent finish, which features resonating cherry and black pepper notes.
90-91 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous

A seductive nose with dark berries, black pepper, sweet spices, some bark and undergrowth. Medium body with fine-grained tannins. Juicy with a blueberry character at the center. Textured, almost chalky, towards the finish. Drink or hold.
91 points
JamesSuckling.com

Just bottled, the 2021 Vin De Pays Le Vin des Amis is quintessential Clape and has lots of meaty dark fruits, pepper, and olive notes in a medium-bodied, juicy, charming package. It's best enjoyed in its youth and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
90 points
Jeb Dunnuck