A. Clape - Cornas 2020 (750ml)

Jeb Dunnuck 99 points
"The 2020 Cornas is even better, ranking with some of the finest Cornas I've ever tasted. Deep purple-hued, with insane aromatics of bloody blue fruits, liquid violets, graphite, pepper, and smoked meats, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel, building yet ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. It offers pleasure even now but will be best from 2034-2054. It will be interesting to see if this shuts down after a few years (as most top vintages of Clape tend to do), but I wouldn't be surprised to see this evolve along the lines of the 2010, which is absolutely singing today!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 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."
Decanter 97 points (MW)
"A vibrant, focused and intense style of Cornas, a return to a classic style after the richness of 2018 and the power of 2019. Their Renaissance will be made this year, so both wines will need to be bottled before a more precise evaluation of each blend can be made, but the outlook is good. Whole-bunch fermented in unlined concrete tanks, matured in small old foudres."
 Vinous 97-98 points (JR)
(Domaine A. Clape Cornas Red) Glass-staining ruby. Intensely perfumed dark berry preserve, violet oil, olive, cured meat and woodsmoke scents show fine definition and vibrant spice- and mineral-driven lift. Offers palate-staining, spice-laced blackberry, bitter cherry, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors that deepen and open up steadily through the midpalate, while maintaining energy. The strikingly long, penetrating finish features youthfully chewy tannins, a sweet touch of cola and lingering floral and exotic spice qualities. All whole clusters and no new oak, as usual."
Wine Advocate 95-97 points (JC)
"I tasted four different components of the 2020 Cornas from foudre. From 40-year-old vines in La Côte, a medium to full-bodied sample with attractive menthol, red plum and violet notes, ample structure but a bit short (92 - 94). From 50- to 60-year-old vines in La Sabarotte, an earthier, more savory example, with a rich, velvety texture and crisp acids (93 - 95). From 60- to 70-year-old vines in La Côte, a wine that seems to have it all: intense cassis, crushed stone, licorice and black olives, plus amazing richness and length (97 - 99). And finally, from old vines in Reynard, a breathtaking, hauntingly floral rendition marked by purple raspberries and fantastic concentration (98 - 100). The blend should be terrific."