Auguste Clape will be remembered as one of the preeminent vignerons and pioneers of the Rhone Valley. He established his fame with “sturdy and remarkably soulful wines” from the cru vineyards of Cornas in northern Rhone. His wines are recognized as the essence of Syrah, grown on the steep granite slopes of Cornas. This same level of high quality can be found in all his wines from this region.

Saint-Peray is a small appellation in northern Rhone known for the production of white wines sourced from limestone-rich soils. This bottling is composed of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne aged for 11 months. The average age of these vines are 40 years old. The 2019 Saint-Peray Blanc appears pale-medium yellow in the glass with a sultry perfume of citrus lime and verbena. It evolves quickly to showcase its extroverted personality of caramelized citrus with bright orange zest and lemon grass elements. There is a silky layer of Meyer lemon in the background that keeps this wine lively and well balanced.

By W Peter Hoyne