Wonderful red wine crafted by the winemaking wizard of the Rhône valley. And somehow still affordable for a Saint-Joseph!

Producer: Jean-Luc Colombo, Saint-Joseph, North Rhône, France

Jean-Luc Colombo has achieved a global reputation for making innovative wines that are original, memorable and bursting with personality. This wine is 100% syrah. It's made from old vines grown from a single domain on the steep hill slopes of Saint-Joseph. The grapes are picked manually and fermentation consists of 3-4 days of pre-maceration, 7 days of fermentation and 3 weeks of post-maceration. The juice is free run, and the wine is aged for 12 months in 15% new oak with the rest in 1-4 year old barrels. The wine is fined just before bottling, and is unfiltered.

What we say: "A stunning red from the Rhône valley. Dense, complex and full-bodied, it boasts a sexy ruby colour. The predominant taste is black fruit and it's easy on the oak. The notes are spicy with hints of violet, bay leaves and mocha. It's a keeper too—this wine can rest up to 10 years in your cellar to reveal its full potential. Enjoy with a special lunch or dinner. A great present for wine lovers as well."

• Colour: red
  
• Grapes: 100% syrah
  
• Region: Saint-Joseph, North Rhône, France
  
• ABV: 13%
• Vol: 75cl

Wine advocate - Parker: The deep ruby/purple-tinged St Joseph Les Lauves is a forward, medium to full-bodied, fresh, borderline sexy St Joseph that's loaded with notions of blackberry jam, cassis, hints of crushed rocks and pepper. I suspect it will be a smoking value and Northern Rhône lovers should buy a case for drinking over the coming 3-4 years (although I suspect it will keep longer as well).

Food recommendation: Grilled and roasted red meats, casseroles and stews or mature strong cheeses. Best served at 18-20°C.

Price per bottle: £28

PARKER 90/100

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