Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
Cornas: Spotlight on the 2010 Vintage PHOTO COURTESY OF VINS JEAN-LUC COLOMBO P atience is a virtue with the 2010 vintage. The beginning of the season was marked by a long and severe winter. Endless rains and snow fueled an energetic spring. Slow-growing vines with late budding allowed vineyard work to be carried out in a timely and efficient manner. Strong winds affected young vines growing on high slopes and flowering began around June 10. By mid-July hot, dry and slightly windy conditions settled in leading into a cooler August. September presented a perfect balance of warm sunny days with cool nights allowing for an idyllic gradual development of complex aromas and tannins in the grapes. Harvest began on September 14 and lasted approximately three weeks. For Colombo the freshness and aromatic purity of the wines began to show after six months of aging. After the 2010's spent 22 months in oak, a gorgeous harmony of soft, delicate and complex aromas had developed and Colombo believes that the 2010 vintage is a "Grande Année" for the Northern Rhône region of Cornas. Jean-Luc Colombo wines are imported by Palm Bay International. Tasting Notes by Meridith May Jean-Luc Colombo 2010 Cornas "Terres Brulées" A blend from a few different blocks, aromas of burnt ground give way to grilled meat and big tannins on the palate, while the upper palate is edgy with acidity and tobacco tannin. Jean-Luc Colombo 2010 Cornas "Les Ruchets" The single-vineyard "Les Ruchets" has complex floral aromas of violets, black fruit, with a touch of sweet spice and angel food cake. On the palate, a rustic quality with a powerful finish. Jean-Luc Colombo 2010 Cornas "La Louvée" A singlevineyard wine from 70-year-old vines is loaded with black fruit and licorice on the nose. On the palate, nice structure and acidity leads to a lingering finish of cloves and spice. Les Ruchets vineyard. november 2013 / the tasting panel / 89 TP1113_066-107.indd 89 10/24/13 9:25 AM