The 2001 Le Vin des Amis (100% Syrah) exhibits a dark ruby color as well as an attractive, elegant, open-knit bouquet filled with cherries and currants. It is an easygoing, straightforward, richly fruity Syrah to enjoy over the next 2-3 years. There is nothing wrong with a case of Clape! As I have been writing for several decades, Auguste Clape and his son, Pierre-Marie, represent the gold standard for classic Cornas. Readers lucky enough to have access to his importer’s portfolio (Kermit Lynch) should always check out his inexpensive Cotes du Rhone as well as his vin de pays called Le Vin des Amis. Both are noteworthy introductions to what can be found in his Cornas cuvees. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524