2012 Cornas Renaissance
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Cornas Renaissance from Auguste Clape represents his entry-level cuvée, so it was no surprise to find it loaded with unassuming, easygoing charm. The bouquet is open for business, presenting brambly red fruit, leather and white pepper that are instantly likable. The palate is soft but not flabby, offering plush red berry fruit, tobacco and candied orange peel notes. The tannins are fine and supple, and as such, I would drink this over the next 5–8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Compact nose, locked nose. Has the classic tension and grip of Cornas. Plenty of fruit concentration but not much complexity of flavour right now. Some leathery notes on the finish. (RH)
Brilliant ruby. Blueberry, potpourri, smoky minerals and peppery spices on the seductively perfumed nose. Concentrated, bright and focused, offering sappy blue fruit, bitter cherry, licorice and dark chocolate flavors lifted by zesty acidity. Stains the palate but comes off lithe, with suave, floral-accented dark fruit flavors and mineral-driven intensity. Silky and broad on the finish, with fine-grained tannins firming the wine's juicy fruit. (JR)
The entry level Cornas that gets some young vines, the 2012 Cornas Renaissance is just like the straight Cornas, only slightly softer and more approachable. Cassis, black raspberry, leather, crushed rock and liquid mineral-like qualities all give way to a full-bodied, concentrated, yet elegant and thrillingly pure Cornas that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade or more.