Auguste Clape, 'Renaissance' Cornas 2014

A decade ago, Cornas was still somewhat of an insider’s wine. The wines had a reputation for being burly and rustic in comparison with the northerly cousins from Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, but they provided an excellent opportunity to drink pure, unadulterated and hauntingly beautiful Syrah. Auguste Clape, who passed away in 2018 (succeeded by son Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier) was the standard-bearer of traditional winemaking in the appellation.