Domaine Combier - Clos des Grives 2023
A major reference of Crozes Hermitage, Domaine Combier has been producing pure, juicy, and highly elegant Syrahs for several generations. The family cultivates its vineyards with respectful agriculture, paying meticulous attention to the soils, yields, and ripeness. In this northern Rhône Valley area, the bright climate is tempered by winds, which helps preserve freshness and balance. In the cellar, the vinifications remain minimally interventionist, driven by indigenous yeasts and gentle extractions. Clos des Grives is the estate's emblematic cuvée, the one that best concentrates its vision of a great Crozes Hermitage for aging, intense yet always remarkably drinkable.
Clos des Grives 2023 comes from a unique plot planted with old Syrah vines on soils of rolled pebbles and clay, at the heart of the estate's historic terroir. The deliberately low yields ensure natural concentration and a beautiful depth of material. The 2023 vintage, sunny but without excess, offers complete phenolic ripeness while preserving a structuring acidic framework. The harvest is done by hand, with a portion of whole clusters to bring energy, spices, and floral complexity. Fermentation takes place in tanks with measured extractions, then aging continues in barrels and demi-muids, mainly of several wines, to refine the tannins without overloading the wine with wood. The result is a racé, dense, precise red, crafted both for pleasure in its youth and for good aging.
On the nose, the wine opens with a deep bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry, enhanced by violet, black pepper, licorice, and a slight smokiness. On the palate, the attack is ample and juicy, with vibrant black fruit supported by tight yet very fine tannins. The mid-palate unfolds a dense, cocoa and spicy matter, where notes of tapenade, garrigue, and graphite mingle in a velvety texture. The finish is long, fresh, slightly saline, marked by spices, dried herbs, and a persistent return of black fruits. At the table, Clos des Grives 2023 ideally accompanies a grilled rib of beef, herb-crusted rack of lamb, duck breast, game birds, or refined bistro cuisine. It also proves remarkable with structured vegetarian dishes based on mushrooms, roasted vegetables, and root vegetable gratins.
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
