La Louvée 2016 of domaine Jean-Luc Colombo : a charming and mineral red wine
A Syrah red wine produced in the Cornas appellation, the Cornas La Louvée of Jean-Luc Colombo benefits from very old vines, up to 90 years old, planted on soils composed of granite grit on a hillside of the Côte at Cornas. La Louvée is aged in oak barrels for 22 months.
At Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo, the 2016 vintage was marked by the mildest winter in almost 40 years. Showers in February formed a great water reserve before budburst in early April, then was slowed by a wave of cold weather lasting around two weeks. Strong rainfall took place in spring, followed by a warm summer with a few cooler days (15° C on the 14th of July). The organic agricultural techniques used by the estate made it possible to optimally manage these complex conditions for the vine. The harvest of La Louvée 2016 began late on the 28th of September and ended on the 11th of October. It was a peaceful harvest under good weather conditions.
At tasting, the Cornas La Louvée 2016 by Jean-Luc Colombo displays a purple colour. Combining purity and complexity, the nose reveals fragrances of fresh cherries and raspberries. The Louvée 2016 reveals a great tension in the mouth, along with tannins covering great finesse. A wine that combines charm and minerality.
In a cooler vintage like 2016, la Louvée's southern exposition is a tremendous boon. The 2016 Cornas la Louvee starts with an absolutely gorgeous nose of Christmas spice and licorice. That's complemented on the palate by rich, plummy fruit, ample weight and concentration and a long, complex, silky finish. Already approachable, it should only get better over the next 2-3 years, then drink well for at least a decade.