Looking for Solid Northern Rhone Syrah on a Budget?

Le Vin des Amis, Clape ‘06
This has to be the perfect introduction to Cornas, revealing a traditional, unadorned display of black pepper, violet, singed beef, anise and dark berry fruit. The palate is lighter in weight than the other Clape bottlings, lacking their hearty structure and depth, yet it has a rustic, gutsy charm that envelopes you in terms of character instead of power, closing w/ the slightest touch of sweet balsamic on the firm finish, 86 points. This is absolutely worth the price of admission if you’re interested in seeing what Clape's (the king of classic Cornas) wines are all about.