b'DOMAINE DU COLOMBIERESTABLISHED: 1991OWNERS: David & Florent VialeWINEMAKER: Florent VialeLOCATION: Northern Rhne, FranceCOMMUNE: Tain LHermitage & MercurolSIZE OF THE ESTATE: 44 acresDomaine du Colombiers story begins at the end of World War I with Davids and Florents great grandparents who moved onto the farm as share croppers and planted the first hectare of vines. In 1962 their father purchased the property and continuously sold their fruit to Guigal.In 1991 when David and Florent took control they decided to bottle their own wine, birthing Domaine du Colombier.The vines are situated 492 feet above sea level in close proximity to the Rhne River, planted in a high density (6,500 to 7,000 feet per hectare) and trellised on chalas (bean poles).Vineyards are farmed organically without the certification.Allvinemanagementandharvestingiscarriedoutby hand.44 acres between Tain-lHermitage and Mercurols.Domaine du Colombier is widely recognized as one of thebestproducersofbothHermitageandCrozes-Hermitage.Greatpressandscorestheyareconsideredamarket leader with lots of 90+ point reviews.HermitageproducessomeofFrancesmostpowerful and long-lived wines.6'