2021 Domaine Auguste Clape Saint Peray

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.

Clape's Saint Peray is a blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, and is fermented and aged in a combination of tank and foudre.

Other Reviews....
An aromatic and delicate nose of white peaches, flowers, anise and hints of flower honey. Medium body with sharp and precise acidity. It’s very mineral with great tension. Round-textured with volume and harmony. It’s creamy at the edges, crisp and vertical at the center, with a long, peppery finish. Granite soils. 80% marsanne and 20% roussanne. Drink or hold.
95 points
JamesSuckling.com

The Saint-Péray from this family is always terrific, and the 2021 Saint-Péray is no exception. Bright citrus, sappy herbs, and some salty minerality all define this medium-bodied, balanced, elegant beauty. Drink bottles over the coming 2-4 years.
90 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Bright, freshly cut pear on the nose. Full-bodied with more weight than most 2021 St-Pérays, teamed with vibrant, buzzy acidity that really lasts into the finish. Lovely freshness and length. Different in style to their 2020, but similar in quality, with really noticeable cleansing acidity. Drink 2023 - 2030.
94 points
Matt Walls - Decanter