The 2000s reveal more concentration than many of their peers. The top cuvee, the 2000 Cornas La Louvee, emerges from 70-year old vines, and is aged in 100% new oak (as opposed to 70% new oak for Les Ruchets and far lower amounts for Les Terres Brulees). The dense saturated inky/purple-colored 2000 Cornas La Louvee boasts a sweet perfume of jammy black fruits, espresso, melted licorice, and minerals. Full-bodied and sumptuous, with low acidity, it is a terrific effort. Critics may call it internationally-styled, but there is plenty of Cornas typicity to be found. Drink this beauty over the next 10-12+ years. The irrefutable modernist of the Rhone Valley, the well-known oenologist Jean-Luc Colombo continues to fine tune his winemaking. His barrel-aged Cornas cuvees are among the most progressively made offerings of the appellation, revealing no rusticity and supple tannin. Colombo practices cold soaks as well as other cutting edge techniques (i.e., micro-oxygenation) in order to subdue the substantial tannins of Cornas. Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, NY; tel. (516) 802-4700.