Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 98
The Cornas of the vintage is Clape’s 2012 Cornas. An incredible effort, its inky purple/black color is followed by spectacular aromas and flavors of black raspberry, graphite, beef blood, iron, cedar and white pepper (among other things). This is Cornas at its finest, with insane aromatics, full-bodied richness and massive concentration, yet at the same time staying elegant, seamless and gorgeously pure. It’s more approachable than the 2010, but should still need 3-4 years of cellaring and have two decades of longevity. While it doesn’t get any more Cornas than Clape, these wines also speak just as loudly of the domaine as they do of the steep granite slopes of the appellation. There’s always something unique in these wines, something bloody, meaty and iron-like, and I’ve yet to find something similar in other wines. In my opinion, these wines are the epitome of Cornas. Looking at Pierre-Marie’s 2012s, these are some of the most concentrated and structured wines in the vintage, yet they have enough texture to dish out plenty of pleasure even now. Pierre-Marie recommends drinking these over the coming 10-12 years, but I would push that window out even further. Also, while it’s common to chase the top wines, don’t miss his Cornas Renaissance in 2012. It’s a terrific wine. The 2013s on the other hand will need short-term cellaring to become approachable. Pierre-Marie called these "very, very classic," and wines to keep. I certainly agree with him.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037
