Clape produces one of the finest dry whites of St.-Peray, and the 2010 looks to be one of the strongest efforts made to date (although the 2009 is stunning as well). Virtually all Marsanne, it offers notes of chalky minerality intermixed with white citrus, honeysuckle and underripe apricots and peaches. This pretty, medium to full-bodied, fresh white is the northern Rhone’s equivalent of a premier and grand cru Chablis.(Not yet released)This historic reference point for the wines of Cornas is one of the world’s most enviable small estates. Long run by Auguste Clape, who has slowly moved into retirement, turning the reins over to his talented son, Pierre-Marie, the quality of the Clape wines has been brilliant since I began visiting the estate over 30 years ago. I believe the 2009 and 2010 Cornas are the finest wines they have yet produced ... and that’s saying something.Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524