Cornas-based winegrower and negociant Jean-Luc Colombo divides opinion. To some, he’s too modern – and I have had mixed experiences with his wines, finding some a little oak influenced, and…
Northern Rhone series 21, Martine Vandre Champ Morel Crozes Hermitage
I’m not giving up on my northern Rhone series, which began almost a year ago, and is now in its 21st installment. It’s a region I love, filled with great…
Northern Rhone series 17, Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes Hermitage 2009
Now this I like. It’s just been listed by Waitrose at a very good price (£12.99), and it’s quite a serious expression of Crozes-Hermitage in a somewhat modern style. I…
Northern Rhone series 4, Jean Luc Colombo Gravieres Crozes Hermitage
I admit to not having been a great fan of Jean-Luc Colombo in the past. His wines have seemed slightly too polished and modern, lacking the raw essence of northern…
Domaine Du Colombier Crozes Hermitage ‘Gaby’ 2005
I’ve lost touch a bit with the wines of Domaine du Columbier, ever since I enjoyed a half-case of the 1999 Crozes Hermitage Gaby. But from this showing, it seems…
A lovely northern Rhône Syrah from Maxime Graillot
This is a really lovely northern Rhône Syrah, made by Maxime Graillot, son of Alan (the most famous grower in this appellation of Crozes-Hermitage). It’s quite an edgy, polarising sort…