Even less expensive is the inky/purple-colored 2011 Vin de Table France Vin des Amis (100% Syrah). Aromas of bouquet garni, wild red and black mountain fruits, earth, animal and pepper are followed by a personality-filled, boisterous red wine to enjoy over the next 3-4 years. An historic reference point in Cornas is the estate of the retired Auguste Clape, which has been run over the last decade by his talented son, Pierre-Marie. This estate may have produced their finest wines to date in 2009, but the 2011s and 2010s rival anything produced at this family-owned, tiny boutique producer. They offer two cuvees of Cornas with the Renaissance representing their younger vines (although most of those are between 30 and 50 years of age). The top cuvee, simply called Cornas, has been a favorite of mine since the late seventies. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524