Jean-Luc Colombo 'Les Collines de Laure' Syrah 2020

Think of this as the Rhône's answer to a juicy Beaujolais. It's a burst of bright red fruit - raspberries, a hint of wild strawberries - with a touch of peppery spice and that classic floral, violet lift that Syrah does so well. A delightfully fresh wine with a light touch and a silky texture that makes it alarmingly easy to drink. Colombo sources from vineyards across the Northern Rhône, including some younger vines in those hallowed Cornas vineyards. It's all about keeping things fresh and vibrant here. The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified in stainless steel to preserve that primary fruit character. There's absolutely no oak in sight. The result is a wine made for unfussy enjoyment.

Drink this youthful Syrah within the next year or two for vibrant fruit flavours; perfect with roast lamb or charcuterie

Jean-Luc Colombo is a Rhône Valley maverick who has a knack for shaking things up. Started as a pharmacist, turned wine consultant, then his own label in the 1980s. He's built a reputation for big, luscious wines that wouldn't blush next to a New World Shiraz. Cornas is his heartland, the granite slopes giving those Syrahs their peppery, meaty depth. Expect a blast of black fruit from his reds, maybe a whiff of smoky bacon, and enough tannin to chew on. But Colombo's not all about brooding intensity. He's got a playful side too, with zippy whites from Marsanne and Roussanne, and southern blends that throw Grenache and Syrah together for juicy, easy-drinking. Colombo's wines are serious, sure, but he's out to have fun too.