Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône

The price on this bottle of wine can’t be beat for a decent Côtes du Rhône.

Before I opened this bottle I was worried that it might be flabby, but that wasn’t an issue.  The nose is a little tight, but much more intense and interesting than I was expecting from such a bargain wine.  The bouquet has a smoky oak quality surrounding blackberry, rhubarb, a hint of strawberry and tobacco.

The palate brings a nice heat to it and decent acidity.  I was surprised by the heat with only a 13.5% alcohol level.  There isn’t a ton of fruit on the palate, but there is some blackberry.  The finish adds a touch of spice, although there isn’t much length.

It’s a decent, drinkable and extremely affordable French wine.  The only areas in which I would be critical are that it could have more intensity and complexity, and the viscosity is a slightly thin.  All told, I can’t complain at this price.

Wine: Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles
Variety: Côtes du Rhône
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 84
Price Paid: $6.96

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