Domaine Combier - Clos des Grives 2024
In the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, in the commune of Pont-de-l'Isère, Domaine Combier embodies a family tradition closely linked to the history of organic viticulture in the northern Rhône valley. Since 1969, Maurice Combier chose to give up synthetic chemical products, a pioneering approach that his son Laurent continued by developing the reputation of the estate's wines. Today, Julien and David Combier also participate in this family adventure, with the same desire to preserve the identity of each terroir. The Clos des Grives is the historic and emblematic cuvée of the estate, coming from a vineyard of about nine hectares located on the Châssis plateau. The oldest vines, planted in 1952, take root in clay-limestone soils covered with rolled pebbles, whose capacity to store heat favors the ripening of Syrah. This terroir produces wines that combine a beautiful depth of matter with a refined tannic structure, far from the most demonstrative expressions of the appellation. Clos des Grives has thus established itself as one of the references of Crozes-Hermitage, appreciated for its balance between concentration, freshness, and remarkable aging potential.
The Clos des Grives 2024 is made exclusively from Syrah coming from this historic plot, farmed organically for several decades. The age of the vines and the nature of the soils naturally limit yields while promoting regular water supply and progressive ripening of the grapes. The harvest is done manually, with careful sorting intended to preserve the quality of the crop. The 2024 vintage, marked in the Rhône valley by contrasting weather and significant rainfall, required particular vigilance in the vineyard as well as rigorous grape selection. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with controlled extraction to preserve the finesse of the tannins and the aromatic precision of Syrah. The wine then benefits from about twelve months of aging in Burgundian barrels of different ages, with a measured proportion of new wood so as not to mask the expression of the terroir. This maturation supports the development of the wine's structure and complexity while preserving the natural freshness that is one of the estate's signatures.
The Clos des Grives 2024 should express the full personality of the great Syrahs of Crozes-Hermitage, with a deep bouquet combining blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry with nuances of violet, black pepper, and delicate spices. Upon aeration, notes of licorice, black olive, and a slight smoky dimension may gradually enrich this aromatic palette. On the palate, the matter promises beautiful concentration, supported by a precise tannic framework whose fine grain brings elegance to the whole. The freshness of the vintage should help maintain a harmonious balance between fruit ripeness, structure, and liveliness, without seeking excessive power. The finish is expected to be persistent, extended by black fruits, spices, and a subtle mineral sensation. Still young, this wine deserves a few years in the cellar to allow its tannins to soften and its aromas to gradually develop nuances of leather, undergrowth, and truffle. It will pair particularly well with a matured rib of beef, a roasted herb rack of lamb, pigeon with cep mushrooms, or a venison fillet, gastronomic preparations capable of matching its depth and complexity.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah
