Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2010

Cru "Cairanne" Cotes du Rhone 2005 - 90 Points, Wine Spectator/ Packed with dark fig and currant paste flavors, with plenty of spice, sweet toast and a lingering graphite edge to the finish. Solid, well-buried acidity carries it all.

Hailed as the winemaking wizard of the Rhône, Jean-Luc Colombo has achieved a high-profile international reputation for making innovative wines that are original, memorable and bursting with personality. Despite a resolute aversion to change in the Cornas region, Colombo has brazenly introduced innovative methods in his vineyards and throughout the production process based on a respect for nature and his fundamental belief that good wine is the culmination of three key elements: terroir, human endeavor and modern winemaking techniques. The result? A more accessible style of Rhône Valley wines, reflecting an exuberance of fruit and depth of expression and showcasing the full potential of the Syrah grape when grown in the unique terroir of Cornas. Through his intense dedication, Colombo has brought the wines of Cornas into the international limelight. The company now embraces 27 wines representing major appellations of the Rhône Valley as well as the Languedoc and Roussillon regions of southern France. Learn about our 'Bee Helpful' program! Production Area From ancient terraced vineyards comprised of gravel on a bed of sandy clay in the area of Cairanne and Gigondas in the southern Rhône Valley Grape Varieties 33% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 33% Mourvèdre Vinification The grapes are harvested manually, then de-stemmed, lightly crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. 20% of the wine is aged in 2- to 3-year-old oak for nine months before bottling Color Intense purple Bouquet Red fruit, leather and spice Taste Complex, with flavors of licorice and spice and silky tannins Alcohol 13.5% Serving Suggestions A food-friendly wine which will perfectly match grilled lamb, pork and assorted cheeses.

Hailed as the winemaking wizard of the Rhône, Jean-Luc Colombo has achieved a high-profile international reputation for making innovative wines that are original, memorable and bursting with personality. Despite a resolute aversion to change in the Cornas region, Colombo has brazenly introduced innovative methods in his vineyards and throughout the production process based on a respect for nature and his fundamental belief that good wine is the culmination of three key elements: terroir, human endeavor and modern winemaking techniques. The result? A more accessible style of Rhône Valley wines, reflecting an exuberance of fruit and depth of expression and showcasing the full potential of the Syrah grape when grown in the unique terroir of Cornas. Through his intense dedication, Colombo has brought the wines of Cornas into the international limelight. The company now embraces wines representing major appellations of the Rhône Valley as well as the Languedoc and Roussillon regions of southern France. Production Area Rhone Valley, France This wine has its origins in one of the best terroirs consisting of river pebbles in Châteauneuf du Pape. All work in the vineyards is done manually and without the use of pesticides or irrigation, respecting the local environment. Grape Varieties 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre Vinification The wine undergoes 4 days of pre-fermentation maceration followed by 7 days of fermentation in steel vats at a controlled temperature of 82.4°F. There is then a 3 week period of maceration at 86°F. The juice is free run, and spends 18 months in one-, two- and three-year-old oak barrels. The wine is not filtered but is fined. Color Dark purple Bouquet Lovely scents of ripe red fruit, licorice and sweet spice Taste A powerful and full-bodied wine with rich notes of blueberry, wild herbs and lots of spice. The palate is mature and rich with velvety tannins, ending with a long finish. Alcohol 13.5% Serving Suggestions Pairs exceptionally well with game, hearty stews, steaks and Italian dishes.

/ "Shows a lot of ripe Grenache character, offering scents akin to cherries, almond butter and almost peach of apricot. It’s on the chunky side, with some dusty tannins on the finish, so you could drink it now or save it for a few years.”

Les Abeilles Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2007 - Cooking Light/ Berry and cherry notes... Listed among wines that go best with spicy foods.

Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2010 - 85 points & Daily Wine Pick, Wine Spectator/ Rounded and forward, with friendly cherry, toasty vanilla bean and candied plum notes. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2010 - 88 points, International Wine Cellar/ Bright purple. Fresh cherry and dark berry aromas are lifted by a peppery quality. In a bright, easygoing style, with modest depth to the brisk black raspberry and candied violet flavors. Finishes on a vaguely jammy note, with good cut and lingering bitterness.