Short review, this: the 2004 Jean-Luc Colombo Les Forots Côtes du Rhône (13%) is a blockbuster. Made of 100% Syrah, this is a wine that tastes of heavy vine fruits smashed up — strong, strong stuff. Wonderful balance: 8.5 alone, 8.6 in a discounted mixed case.

Keep reading...

So the first wine we have here is a 2005 ‘Les Granges’ Cotes du Rhone. Also it’s a ‘reserve’…available from Morrisons for £4. Nice colour, simple nose (most wines in this range don’t really give much in way of smell), but if you really need an aroma there’s a wee bit of milk chocolate. When the bottle was first opened it was OK; it’s been open an hour and there is some serious throat burn…very alcoholic tasting.

Real quick: I went into Crouch End Oddbins and bought a Chapoutier Saint-Joseph. It normally cost £13, now cost £8. Spectacular. Elegant. So expressive, yet simple.

Keep reading...