Domaine Auguste Clape Le Vin des Amis Syrah 2018

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

A serious wine. Needed more time in Decanter and some age. Tart on attack but a long finish.

Jay Kline

Don’t be fooled. Just because this is the entry level for Clape does not mean this should be overlooked. “Le Vin des Amis” is made from a 1ha vineyard in between the village of Cornas and the Rhône river. This bottle was opened about an hour before it was poured. Deep, dark garnet in the glass...bordering violet. Glass staining. The nose was absolutely wild! Straight up deli case with olive mortadella, and all the cured meats. But it doesn’t stop there. This is well endowed with baked and smoked blueberries and mulberries, dried herbs and lavender. The palate tells more of the fruit story with the lush blue and black fruits taking the starring role. So pure; so dense! Yet, there is minerality and remarkable acidity giving all of the fruit the lift it needs. Tannins are medium. Long, long finish. This wine was fermented and aged in concrete tanks and passes through foudre for two months before bottling. Some people hate on the price for this wine (around $50 these days) considering its humble designation but the quality is absolutely undeniable. A very serious wine. Impressive.

Brecht Spileers

Typical Clape nose brooding, smoky dark fruits. Doesn’t have the complexity of his big wines but for a weektime occasion it’s great. Needs some time to open up. Great qpr.

Brendan Baker

Blackberry and olive tapenade, med bodied with bright acidity ⚡️