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2016 Auguste Clape Côtes du Rhône

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

May 12, 2024 - $58

Estimate

RATINGS

92Wine Spectator

...dark currant and warmed fig compote flavors that are spiked with tar, licorice root and sage details...lingering charcoal note adds to the grippy feel.

91Vinous / IWC

Spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, violet and smoky minerals, plus a hint of allspice in the background. Concentrated yet lithe and precise, offering spice-tinged dark berry flavors and a bracing jolt of acidity that adds focus and back-end cut. Fleshes out slowly with air and shows very good clarity and appealing sweetness on a long, gently tannic finish.

90Jeb Dunnuck

...smorgasbord of Syrah goodness; blackcurrants, black cherries, smoked meats, pepper and licorice all give way to a medium to full-bodied, unctuous and ripe 2016 that has plenty of power and richness.

17+ Jancis Robinson

Mushroom and earth on the nose – quite earthy and feral with firm, ambitious tannin. Black cherry and olive to finish. Bold, intense.

REGION

France, Rhône Valley, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

The Southern Rhône Valley wine region extends from Orange in the north through the communes Lirac and Tavel in the southwest. The French call the region Côtes du Rhône Méridionales and it includes some of the best known appellations in France, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. The climate and landscape of the Southern Rhone differ significantly from the Northern Rhone. There are hot, often windy Mediterranean appellations near Nimes and the south, and higher altitude, relatively cool appellations such as Côtes du Ventoux to the east. Understanding the region can be confusing given that there are thirteen appellations and sixteen red and white grapes allowed for wines with appellation status. Syrah is grown here, but it is much less important than in the north. Grenache is the prominent red grape, though most red wines are blends of at least four varietals. Other commonly used red grapes are Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Muscardin. Counoise, Terret Noir, Vaccarèse and Syrah are also permitted. The primary white grapes are Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc, though Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are permitted, as are Picpoul and Picardin. Of note is the Côtes du Rhone Villages AOC, which is only in the Southern Rhone. Though Côtes du Rhône AOC wine is made in both the north and south, the Villages appellation has stricter requirements for winemaking and is generally considered higher quality than simple Côtes du Rhône. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “There is a vast amount of enjoyment to be discovered in the southern Rhône…for these are some of the most sumptuous and pleasure-giving wines produced in the world.”