| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Northern Rhône > Cornas |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Eclipsing even the 2009, the 2010 Cornas achieved one of the highest natural alcohol levels (14%) ever recorded at Clape. This complex, inky/purple-colored effort boasts abundant notes of charcoal, licorice, blackberries and blueberries intermixed with a hint of scorched earth (or is it charcoal embers?), a full-bodied mouthfeel, a seamless personality and a crushed rock-like minerality. The tannins are so sweet it will be drinkable in 2-3 years, and should keep for 25 or more. It is a tour de force in what Syrah can achieve in this hallowed appellation. Kudos to the Clape family, especially Pierre-Marie.
Ratcheting things up to almost unreal levels of concentration and aromatic complexity is the 2010 Cornas. Its dense inky/purple color is followed by a stunning bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, creosote, charcoal, incense and a hint of flowers. This massive Syrah possesses undeniable minerality, remarkably sweet fruit, fabulous precision and focus, and 25-30 years of evolution. Give it 5-7 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 3 decades.
