Jean-Luc Colombo - Top of Rhône Valley by Decanter
"Jean-Luc Colombo has become one of the stars of Cornas. Well-known as an oenologist for dozens of Rhone Valley clients, Colombo has had a positive influence in the Rhone, undoubtedly improving the quality of many estate's wines. As for his own wines, there are usually three cuvees of Cornas. In ascending order of quality they are: Les Terres Brulees, Les Ruchets (from a specific vineyard), and La Louvee (formerly known as cuvee JLC) ." (Wine Advocate)
"One of the most influential figure in Rhone wine making in the last 20 years has been the Bordeaux-trained enologue Jean Luc Colombo, who advises many a grower on his wine making and has built up his own Estate at Cornas. Colombo's wines demonstrated what he preaches: they are impeccably vinified, richly fruity and heavily oaked wines without rough edges." (James Turnbull)
"Top 100 Wineries of the Year 2008" (Wine & Spirits Magazine)
"A Cornas wine comparable to the best grand crus" (Le Monde)
"Jean-Luc Colombo shakes up the Rhone Valley. A Cornas wine which is among the best wines." (Le Figaro)
"With his eloquence, his appetite for life, and his incredible ability to realize countless ideas, Jean-Luc Colombo is one of the most endearing characters of the French wineries" (Bettane et Dessauve)
La Belle de Mai (The Beauty of May) is a delicate wine that evokes the beginning of spring. A touch of Marsanne is added to Roussanne, giving sensuality to this wine which has aromas of hawthorn and linden-tree.
60% Roussanne - 40% Marsanne
Pairing
Sublime with roasted poultry or a meunière-style sole.
Awards
90 points Stephen Tanzer (2009 vintage), 91 points Wine Spectator (2007 vintage), 90 points Wine Spectator (2006 vintage)
(750ml)
Le Rouet Rouge spurs from the sunny hillside of Hermitage where Syrah blossoms. This wine displays aromas of red fruit, chocolate and spice characters with a hint of Roussane enhancing its complexity and well-balanced, integrated palate and long finish.
97% Syrah - 3% Roussanne
Pairing
Lovely with red meat, especially fillet steak or more surprisingly with roasted pheasant and slow cooked cabbage.
Awards
91 points Wine Spectator - "Polished and pure, with notes of espresso, black cherry and black tea gliding over velvety tannins and carrying through the long, iron-tinged finish. Drink now thorugh 2018.", ***3 Stars Decanter Magazine (2006 vintage), 91 points Wine Spectator (2005 vintage)
(750ml)
"Les Terres Brûlées (TheRoasted Earths) is the prettiest expression of Syrah from the Cornas appellation. From a mixture of 20 to 60 year old vines this wine is a subtle blend I fulfill each year from different plots. The tannins, powerful but elegant, are softened by a well-managed maturation of two years in oak. The wine of intense ruby colour has aromas of raspberry, liquorice, coffee and a long spicy finish".
100% Syrah
Pairing
"I love to linger over this wine with a rib roast of beef and dauphinoise potatoes".
Awards
2011: JancisRobinson 17/20 2010 : Bettane&Dessauve 16,5 - Stephen Tanzer 92/100 The Rhône Report : 93/100 2009 : Bettane&Dessauve 16/20 - Wine Spectator 92/100
(750ml)
Les Ruchets (The Beehives) is a vineyard planted with very old Syrah vines - up to 90 years old. This parcel is located in the heart of Cornas surrounded by juniper bushes and live oaks. It benefits from a granitic subsoil and eastern exposure.A “Grand vin,” well structured and elegant, with the potential to age for many years. Gently matured for two years in oak barrels to release its terroir-driven profile, it offers aromas of blackberry, black currant and violet, soft spices and pepper. It truly represents the signature wine of our domaine.
100% Syrah
Pairing
The ultimate wine to share over dinner with friends, and a wine I love to pair with roasted duck rubbed in spices.
Awards
92-94 points Stephen Tanzer (2010 vintage), 94 points Wine Spectator (2009 vintage), 92 points Stephen Tanzer (2009 vintage), 91 points Wine Advocate (2009 vintage), 92 points Wine Spectator (2008 vintage), ****4 stars Decanter (2007 vintage), ***3 stars Decanter (2006 vintage)
(750ml)
"La Louvée" (The She-Wolf) is a vineyard planted of very old Syrah vines-up to 70 years old, protected by a forest of cedar and live oak trees. The parcel is located in the heart of the Cornas granitic slope and benefits from a south-east facing exposure. After a ging for two years in oak barrels, La Louvée evolves as a delicate and elegant wine with aromas of raspberry, blueberry, violets and chocolate, ginger-bread notes ending by a distinct minerality.
100 % Syrah
Pairing
"A concentrated wine which will age for up to 20 years or more and that I love to match with a pot roasted pheasant or pigeon.”
Awards
2011 : Bettane&Dessauve 16,5/20 2010 : Bettane&Dessauve 17,5/20 -The Rhône Report : 94/100 2009 : WineSpectator 94/100
(750ml)