Domaine Isabel Ferrando
Colombis Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
Popped and poured; enjoyed over a couple of hours. The 2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Colombis” pours a slightly brighter and more translucent ruby relative to Isabel's standard CdP. The nose is more perfumed and ever so pretty with primarily (though beautifully ripened) red fruit, carnations, and licorice. Confirmed on the palate with a “Dear God that is Grenache” sort of impression. A bag of Twizzlers. Medium tannin and medium acid. The finish is sexy, in a refined and mature sort of way..a bit like Susan Sarandon in Alfie. Ooof. Colombis is 100% whole cluster Grenache from from a blend of three lieu-dits (Colombis, led Roules and le Cristia); all aged in foudre exclusively. Overall, this retains the trademark elegance found in her other wines but the fleshiness of the Grenache is palpable. This is glossy, slick, impressive texture. Hard to say how this will age since I’ve seemed to struggle to understand the aging arc of 100% Grenache wines. That being said, I think this will drink very well in the near term while the fruit is so fresh. Somewhere around 2028 however, this might quiet quit on everyone…and may take some time to emerge from that to show some secondary characteristics that are redeeming. But shit…this stuff is expensive so I would drink it now while it’s so impressive.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over a couple of hours. The 2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Colombis” pours a slightly brighter and more translucent ruby relative to Isabel's standard CdP. The nose is more perfumed and ever so pretty with primarily (though beautifully ripened) red fruit, carnations, and licorice. Confirmed on the palate with a “Dear God that is Grenache” sort of impression. A bag of Twizzlers. Medium tannin and medium acid. The finish is sexy, in a refined and mature sort of way..a bit like Susan Sarandon in Alfie. Ooof. Colombis is 100% whole cluster Grenache from from a blend of three lieu-dits (Colombis, led Roules and le Cristia); all aged in foudre exclusively. Overall, this retains the trademark elegance found in her other wines but the fleshiness of the Grenache is palpable. This is glossy, slick, impressive texture. Hard to say how this will age since I’ve seemed to struggle to understand the aging arc of 100% Grenache wines. That being said, I think this will drink very well in the near term while the fruit is so fresh. Somewhere around 2028 however, this might quiet quit on everyone…and may take some time to emerge from that to show some secondary characteristics that are redeeming. But shit…this stuff is expensive so I would drink it now while it’s so impressive.
Feb 14th, 2023
Deep, shimmering ruby. Expansive, mineral- and spice-accented red and dark berry preserve, incense, cola and garrigue qualities on the finely detailed nose. Palate-staining cherry pie, raspberry, boysenberry, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors show uncanny energy for their depth. The spice and floral notes dominate a seriously long, sappy finish framed by velvety, well-knit tannins. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2021)
Deep, shimmering ruby. Expansive, mineral- and spice-accented red and dark berry preserve, incense, cola and garrigue qualities on the finely detailed nose. Palate-staining cherry pie, raspberry, boysenberry, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors show uncanny energy for their depth. The spice and floral notes dominate a seriously long, sappy finish framed by velvety, well-knit tannins. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2021)
Hot and monolithic (15% alc). The Grenache is stewed and tired, and the entire effort is lightly spicy, clipped and one-dimensional. The bottle is sound; it’s clean and high-fill. What’s here smells and tastes like bang average Plan-de-Dieu CDR that’s as good as it’s ever gonna get. Really sad stuff.
Hot and monolithic (15% alc). The Grenache is stewed and tired, and the entire effort is lightly spicy, clipped and one-dimensional. The bottle is sound; it’s clean and high-fill. What’s here smells and tastes like bang average Plan-de-Dieu CDR that’s as good as it’s ever gonna get. Really sad stuff.
Apr 21st, 2019
Very simple wine. Did not belong in this lineup.
Very simple wine. Did not belong in this lineup.
Oct 25th, 2014
Always a super wine from Isabel Ferrando!!
Always a super wine from Isabel Ferrando!!
Sep 12th, 2014Edging into the stewed fruit zone, but not in a bad way.
Edging into the stewed fruit zone, but not in a bad way.
Mar 29th, 2014
2020 vintage. I believe 100% Grenache. Needs tons of time and/or air. Light-medium body. Maybe at a 9.3 in a decade. Right now, a bit of a mystery. 1.17.24.
2020 vintage. I believe 100% Grenache. Needs tons of time and/or air. Light-medium body. Maybe at a 9.3 in a decade. Right now, a bit of a mystery. 1.17.24.
Jan 17th, 2024
Decanted 4 hours before tasting and was rewarded with a delicious bottle.
Decanted 4 hours before tasting and was rewarded with a delicious bottle.
Oct 29th, 2023