Ruchets wines are made from Syrah vines growing on granite land, between juniper and green oak trees. Located East, in the Cornas appellation, the unique parcel -and pride of Jean-Luc Colombo- produces superior wines every year. The 2012 Ruchet boasts a gorgeous violet-tinted, shiny red hue. The nose exudes scents of cassis, blackberries, and spices: pepper, violet, or thicket. The palate is strong, spicy and warm, and leads to a persistent, sweet finish.
My favorite of the 2012 Cornas, the 2012 Cornas les Ruchets comes from older vines in the Chaillot lieu-dit and sees roughly 20% of the blend in new barrels. It's a beautiful effort that exhibits lots of gamey meat, olive, spring flowers and chocolate-laced dark fruits. Medium to full-bodied, textured and hedonistic, it shows the 2012 vintage nicely and should be consumed over the coming decade.