2015 Jean-Luc Colombo "Les Ruchets" Cornas

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 the world.

Innovation, passion and dedication are what drives Jean-Luc and Anne Colombo, whose contributions to Rhône Valley winemaking is 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 a wine consultant 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.

A superb, deep black cherry color. On the nose, complex and elegant with notes of spices, violets, and black fruit and vanilla. On the palate, powerful, structured notes of black fruit, herbs, white pepper and blueberry. Delicious with game such as duck, hare, or pigeon, but also perfect with a roasted entrecote steak. 

From the Chaillot lieu-dit, the 2015 Cornas Les Ruchets is slightly more firm and focused, yet still offers sensational depth of fruit and richness. Blackberry liqueur, pen ink, cracked pepper, and hints of flowers all give way to a powerful, concentrated, opulent Cornas that has the fruit and texture to drink nicely today, yet the underlying structure to keep for two decades or more. Like the La Louvée, it spent 23 months in 15% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels.

The young Laure Colombo continues to take the leading role at this estate, yet still gets plenty of aid from her father, Jean-Luc. While I wasn’t able to taste her 2016s, her 2015 are unquestionably the finest wines made at this estate to date. ~95+ Jeb Dunnuck

Dark and fleshy, with gorgeous blueberry reduction, warm fig and mulled blackberry flavors pumping through, inlaid with fresh bay leaf, lavender and charcoal notes. The long finish lets the fruit play out, with an added ganache detail. Best from 2020 through 2035. 820 cases made, 150 cases imported. ~95 Wine Spectator

Voluptuous black-plum and brambleberry flavors are accented by nuances of cocoa, charcuterie, and olive in this richly composed wine. It's full-bodied, but not brawny, offering plush layers of fruit squared off by a grip of firm, penetrating tannins. Hold until 2020, and it should improve for at least another decade after. ~94 Wine Enthusiast

***Free Shipping on 6 Bottles or More of This Wine***