2017 Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone Les Forots

The heart of the Colombo winery is based in Cornas, the smallest appellation in the Rhône Valley, covering only 325 acres. Located in the southern part of Northern Rhone these ancient vineyards are dedicated to producing the purest and finest expression of Syrah. Decomposed granite soils and stressed growing conditions greatly contribute to the quintessential quality and character of Cornas wines, the best Syrah in the world.

Innovation, passion, and dedication are what drive Jean-Luc and Anne Colombo, whose contributions to Rhône Valley winemaking are unparalleled. A devotee of the Syrah grape and armed with a pharmacy degree, Jean-Luc and his wife, Anne, opened their wine laboratory in 1984, “Centre Oenologique des Côtes du Rhône” and quickly developed a thriving reputation as wine consultants throughout France. For their significant life-long contributions to their country, both Jean-Luc and Anne have been awarded the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian award. The Colombo’s innovative approach in the northern appellation of Cornas was nothing short of revolutionary. Today, Jean-Luc Colombo’s wines express the typicity of their terroir with elegance and character.

2017 was an epic year for Northen Rhone. Wine Spectator blessed this vintage with 97-point stating that "Reds are ripe and seductive."

Aging:

50% Syrah, 50% Grenache. An structured and pleasant wine with surprising precision. It displays the Syrah grapes' spices yet with a fruity character and the round and attractive flavor of the Grenache. Great to share with friends, and to pair with roasted beef or lamb and vegetables.

This blend of roughly equal parts Grenache and Syrah offers ripe but restrained blackberry and plum flavors accented by smoky tones of fire-roasted chestnuts and scorched earth. While moderately full in style, it's powerful, penetrating wine, with more gravitas than you expect from a typical Côtes du Rhône bottling. It's approachable now but should drink well through 2027. ~91 Wine Enthusiast.

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