Maybe a touch more concentrated than Colombo's la Louvée bottling but also having a slightly coarser, more open-knit texture, the 2018 Cornas les Ruchets leads off with hints of mint, fennel, crushed stone and blackberries. It's full-bodied and rich, expansive and generous without crossing over into being jammy, with savory notes of black olives and roast meat to balance out the ripe fruit and a lingering, softly tannic finish.

Nicely packed, with a mix of dark currant and blackberry compote notes that are still coiled up, along with bay, dark olive and racy sanguine flavors. Persistent and focused on the finish, with plenty in reserve. Best from 2023 through 2035. 750 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add