Bright and racy, with a fresh raspberry core that drives the mineral, violet, lavender, iron and fresh thyme notes through the grip-filled finish. Still a touch taut and sinewy now, but has the depth for cellaring. Best from 2008 through 2018. 70 cases made.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add

Colombo’s newest cuvee is the 2005 Cornas Force One, which comes from 60 year old vines. Like its siblings, it possesses a dense purple color as well as a deep, cedary, black currant and blackberry-scented nose with notions of licorice, barbecue spices, and truffles. Full-bodied and powerful, with high tannins that appear sweeter than those found in the other cuvees, it should age well for 15-20 years.This globe-trotting northern Rhone oenologist owns an ever-expanding negociant business, but his finest wines remain his estate offerings from Cornas. He owns 19 acres, including some superb parcels in Chaillot and St.-Pierre. Most are relatively old vine sites. Colombo’s approach to winemaking is thoroughly modern, and he was the first in Cornas to utilize new oak casks. Additionally, he destems everything and aims for relatively high extraction with warm fermentation temperatures.Importer: Palm Bay Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Colombo’s newest cuvee is the 2005 Cornas Force One, which comes from 60 year old vines. Like its siblings, it possesses a dense purple color as well as a deep, cedary, black currant and blackberry-scented nose with notions of licorice, barbecue spices, and truffles. Full-bodied and powerful, with high tannins that appear sweeter than those found in the other cuvees, it should age well for 15-20 years. This globe-trotting northern Rhone oenologist owns an ever-expanding negociant business, but his finest wines remain his estate offerings from Cornas. He owns 19 acres, including some superb parcels in Chaillot and St.-Pierre. Most are relatively old vine sites. Colombo’s approach to winemaking is thoroughly modern, and he was the first in Cornas to utilize new oak casks. Additionally, he destems everything and aims for relatively high extraction with warm fermentation temperatures. Importer: Palm Bay Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642