Inky violet. Intense aromas of cherry, blackberry, olive, exotic spices and pipe tobacco are complemented by a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of bacon fat. Chewy and subtly sweet, offering concentrated, smoke-laced kirsch, dark berry preserve, espresso and licorice flavors and a spicy jolt of black pepper. Finishes impressively long and spicy, with chewy tannins and a building floral note.

The 2021 Cornas is a solid red that’s concentrated and elegant, offering crushed violet, red plum, red cherry and iodine layers paired with stemmy gradations. The medium-bodied 2021 concludes with wonderful freshness on the savory finish. It shouldn’t take long to come around, something that cannot be said for the surrounding vintages.

The 2021 Cornas is a small step up over the Renaissance, with a touch more density and depth, although both play in the more medium-bodied, moderately concentrated style of the vintage. Classy blue fruits, plums, violets, and sappy, peppery notes all define the aromatics, and it's nicely balanced, with fine tannins, and outstanding length. It too will benefit from a few years and drink nicely over the following decade. I was thrilled to be able to retaste the 2020s during my visit with Pierre-Marie Clape, and it’s safe to say I underrated these last year. They’ve have morphed into heavenly wines that are unquestionably in the same league as the estate 2010s, 2018s, and 2019s. The 2021s here have pure, classic, old school-like profiles with more moderate concentration and depth, but good balance as well as length. Harkening back to wines from the 1980s, they’re already approachable yet should have 10-15 years of interesting drinking.

Cask samples tasted at the domaine. Sample 1: Petite C ô te. Lots of spice and black pepper. The tannins are rather elegant and fine – firm as well. Vivid and bright dark fruits and a real sense of luxurious richness and opulence. Sample 2: Sabarotte. Liquorice, leather and a ferrous note on the nose. Generous tannin and good, fresh, zesty acidity. Sample 3: La C ô te. Seems to be showing some age already. Cool blue fruit, fig and balsamic. Sample 4: Reynards. Wow! Powerful and dense palate – leather, spice, ripe dark fruits, meat and muscle. This has some grunt! Really gorgeous blend of power and refinement. (AC)