Jean‑Luc Colombo transformed the once‑obscure Cornas appellation into a beacon of Syrah excellence, building a family‑run estate that now spans the Rhône, Languedoc, and Mediterranean coast. With his wife Anne and daughter Laure by his side, Colombo has shaped a modern legacy of vibrant, story‑driven wines that embody both tradition and innovation.
Facing south, backed by a cedar and holm oak forest, the old Syrah vines of the Louvée plot on the granites of Cornas tell a delicate and elegant story. A story matured after almost two years of resting in barrels, a meeting of aromas of raspberries, blueberries, and violets, a delight of chocolate and gingerbread. A harmonious and radiant wine, a delight when paired with a squab cooked in its own juices.
95 Wine Spectator This is awash in dark açaí berry, blueberry and blackberry puree flavors, with sweet tapenade, tobacco and floral notes checking in as well. Lush overall, but with ample buried grip and a bolt of iron on the finish. Best from 2024 through 2038. 330 cases made, 75 cases imported.
94 James Suckling The black-fruit aromas of this stunning Cornas are enveloping, but there isn’t the slightest hint of overripeness. So sophisticated and silky, this glides over your palate, thanks to the nearly perfect integration of tannins, fruit and generous body. Very long and refined finish that pulls your hand inexorably back to the glass. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2019 Cornas la Louvee reveals hints of toasty oak on the nose, accenting ripe cassis flavors. It's full- bodied, rich and concentrated, yet never seems heavy or overdone, finishing with flourishes of blueberries and dried spices on the long, long finish.
94 Vinous Saturated magenta. Highly perfumed black and blue fruit, floral and smoky mineral scents, along with suggestions of cola and exotic spices. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the palate, offering sappy kirsch, boysenberry, salty olive and spice cake flavors that show sharp delineation and mineral cut. Polished tannins frame a mineral-accented finish that features lingering floral and spice notes. This is quite an elegant Cornas, especially in the context of the vintage. 20% new oak.
