The 2014 Auguste Clape Cornas is a red Syrah wine from the Northern Rhône, known for its elegance, silkiness, and streamlined character, promising graceful evolution. This vintage is described as solidly packed with a bramble-edged core of dark plum, bitter cherry, and black currant fruit, interwoven with bay leaf and savory notes. It exhibits tons of cedary spice, pepper, iron, beef blood, crushed rock, and new saddle leather. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and structured with ripe, present tannins. While some early tasters found it reticent with dusty attic, slate, and youthful blueberry notes, suggesting it was too young, others noted dark cherry, plum, blackberry, olive, smoked meat, cedar, mixed herbs, and floral notes with a long finish after some breathing. The 2014 vintage, along with 2018, is currently drinking beautifully. 【 Auguste Clape is a traditionalist, known for pushing ripeness to the extreme and a strict policy about destemming: none at all! 】 🍴 Food Pairing: This powerful Syrah would be an excellent match for rich, savory dishes such as roasted lamb, beef stew, game meats, or strong cheeses. Its peppery and savory notes would also complement grilled steak or hearty mushroom dishes. 🥂 Event Suggestion: The 2014 Auguste Clape Cornas is a wine that benefits from cellaring, needing 2-4 years before drinking and having a longevity of 10-15 years. However, it is currently drinking beautifully. Decanting is highly recommended to allow its complex aromas and flavors to fully open up. This wine is perfect for a special occasion, a serious wine tasting, or a celebratory dinner where a robust and age-worthy red is desired.