Jean-Luc Colombo 2010 “Les Fees Brunes” Crozes-Hermitage is a result of Jean-Luc’s stellar stewardship of the vines. Crozes-Hermitage, a few miles up the river Rhone from Tain-l’Hermitage, is the largest appellation of the northern Rhone and the least revered, at least in comparison to nearby Cote-Rotie and Hermitage. This wine comes from a single-vineyard site situated on a steep hillside. It is farmed naturally, without pesticides, and it stands out from most other wines of Crozes-Hermitage. The vineyard is 100 percent syrah. The 2010, from Jean-Luc describes as one of the three best vintages in his winemaking experience, is beautifully structured, exhibiting firm tannins that support silky layers of plum and blueberry aroma, with a hint of spicy oak. Considering Colombo’s top wines retail for more than $80 a bottle, this one is a steal. It should age exceptionally well over the next 10 years, and the alcohol –by-volume (ABV) is a modest 13 percent. The average price for this wine at WineSearcher.com was $22.
Jean-Luc Colombo, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhone Valley, France) 2010
By Robert Whitley