As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond.
As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond.
Mar 17th, 2024
1997 is always a very aromatic and lean year for these wines, love the purity
1997 is always a very aromatic and lean year for these wines, love the purity
Apr 2nd, 2014
I must confess I was very wrong about this wine. I had purchased a 6 pack on release and drank all of them by 2012 not realizing how this wine would tame its structure and shed its "roughness ". The classic hallmarks are all there, olives, smoke and purity of fruit.
I must confess I was very wrong about this wine. I had purchased a 6 pack on release and drank all of them by 2012 not realizing how this wine would tame its structure and shed its "roughness ". The classic hallmarks are all there, olives, smoke and purity of fruit.
Nov 19th, 2016
Cornas, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
