Jean-Luc Colombo is the man in Cornas, where he revolutionized winemaking and viticulture and put the AOC on par with its more prestigious neighbors in Hermitage and Cote-Rotie. The JLC Cornas (he produces a number from his various vineyards) is invariably elegant yet built for the long haul. The 2012 Terres Brulees if firmly structured and beautifully layered with aromas of blackberry and blueberry. The fruit is remarkably pure. This is a fab addition to any cellar. A panel of advanced and master sommeliers at the 7th annual Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition gave it 94 points and a Platinum award.
Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas AOC (Rhone Valley, France) 2012
By Robert Whitley