Made from 100% Syrah, the 2007 Vin de Pays Vin des Amis is a delicious, richly fruity (blackberries and black currants) red revealing notions of licorice, earth, and spice. Drink this supple Vin de Pays during its first 2-4 years of life. The master of Cornas, this estate continues to fashion a beautiful array of wines. With his son, Pierre-Marie, in charge, Auguste Clape enjoys a well-deserved retirement. In addition to outstanding Cornas, Clape also produces a very good Cotes du Rhone and Vin de Pays, both made from fruit grown just outside the Cornas appellation. 2007 is a slightly lighter vintage in Cornas than 2006, but the sweetness of the tannins, and the precociousness of the wines make the 2007 Cornas much more approachable than usual. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524