The 1995 Cornas offerings exhibit greater richness and ripeness, without the shrill acidity found in many of this appellation's wines. The 75 cases of 1995 Cornas JLC represent a wine made from late-harvested Syrah grapes, aged in 100% new oak, and bottled with neither fining nor filtering. It is a spectacular wine with gobs of black fruits, a thick, unctuous texture, and a sweet, rich finish with well-integrated tannin. It possesses enough acidity to provide definition and focus. It should drink well for two decades. Colombo has become one of the most influential oenologists in the Rhone Valley. For the most part, his influence has been positive. He has pushed his clients to be more aware of sanitary conditions, keep yields at reasonable levels, and, if finances permit, utilize more new oak for the red wines. For those wines that are stable and healthy, he is inclined to advise bottling with minimal fining and/or filtration. His estate wines from Cornas have consistently been among the finest of the appellation. Colombo is also expanding his empire with a line of negociant wines called Les Terroirs du Rhone. These offerings are generally well made. The reviews in this segment deal exclusively with his estate bottled wines. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800

The finest wine produced by Colombo in 1994 is the Cornas JLC. The debut vintage for this wine, only micro-quantities were produced. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a chocolate, coffee, cassis-scented nose, opulent, sexy, evolved flavors, a chewy, sweet mid-palate, and a soft, round finish, this flattering wine is far more approachable than the 1995. Drink it over the next 5-8 years. Colombo has become one of the most influential oenologists in the Rhone Valley. For the most part, his influence has been positive. He has pushed his clients to be more aware of sanitary conditions, keep yields at reasonable levels, and, if finances permit, utilize more new oak for the red wines. For those wines that are stable and healthy, he is inclined to advise bottling with minimal fining and/or filtration. His estate wines from Cornas have consistently been among the finest of the appellation. Colombo is also expanding his empire with a line of negociant wines called Les Terroirs du Rhone. These offerings are generally well made. The reviews in this segment deal exclusively with his estate bottled wines. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800