Combier Estate - Cap Nord 2023
A key reference in the northern Rhône Valley, Domaine Combier works with Syrah with exemplary precision and consistency. A family-owned estate for several generations, the domaine relies on viticulture that respects the soil, controlled yields, and consistently accurate ripeness. The vines, planted on terroirs blending pebbles, clay, and silt, benefit from a bright climate tempered by the Rhône winds. In the cellar, the philosophy remains minimally interventionist, with indigenous yeasts, measured extractions, and discreet oak influence. The goal is to produce wines that are highly drinkable, where fruit purity and terroir identity take precedence over the pursuit of power.
Cap Nord 2023 is the estate's most slender cuvée, a hillside Syrah conceived as a fresher and more vertical expression of Crozes Hermitage. The grapes come from parcels located in the coolest areas of the sector, hand-harvested at perfect ripeness. The vinification favors gentle extractions, sometimes with a proportion of whole clusters to enhance the floral and spicy notes. Aging takes place in tanks and well-seasoned barrels to refine the texture without imprinting the wine with oak. Cap Nord 2023 thus presents itself as a precise, upright red, crafted for short to medium-term aging as well as immediate enjoyment.
On the nose, the wine reveals notes of violet, fresh black fruits, raspberry, and black pepper, complemented by a slight smoky touch. On the palate, the attack is juicy and taut, with crunchy fruit supported by fine, tight tannins that provide a beautiful backbone. The mid-palate blends blackberry, blackcurrant, spices, a hint of black olive, and a mineral thread that adds great length. The finish is long, fresh, slightly saline, marked by spices and dried herbs, with excellent digestibility. At the table, Cap Nord 2023 ideally accompanies roasted poultry, herb-crusted rack of lamb, grilled beef cuts, or refined bistro cuisine, and also shines with structured vegetarian dishes based on mushrooms and roasted vegetables.
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
