Domaine Combier - Clos des Grives - Magnum 2024
In Pont-de-l'Isère, in the southern part of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, Domaine Combier cultivates a unique identity based on respect for life and a precise interpretation of Syrah. A pioneer of organic farming in the northern Rhône valley, the estate embarked on this approach as early as 1969, long before it became a major concern in the wine world. Today, Laurent Combier and his sons Julien and David continue this family adventure by combining their knowledge of the terroirs with a constant search for finesse and balance. Clos des Grives is one of the historic plots of the estate, a single vineyard whose oldest vines date back to the 1950s. Located on the Châssis plateau, it rests on clay-limestone soils covered with rolled pebbles, which promote grape ripening and contribute to the natural depth of the wines. This relatively flat terroir, situated between 90 and 150 meters altitude, gives rise to a generous expression of Syrah, whose structure retains remarkable elegance. As the estate's emblematic cuvée, Clos des Grives has an aging potential that distinguishes it among the great wines of Crozes-Hermitage.
The 2024 Clos des Grives is made exclusively from Syrah from this historic plot, cultivated organically and characterized by naturally moderate yields. The old vines draw from the clay-limestone soils the resources necessary for gradual ripening, while the rolled pebbles help to restitute the heat accumulated during the day. The harvest is done manually, with selective sorting to keep only grapes of the desired quality. After harvest, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to control temperatures and preserve the aromatic precision of the grape variety. The wine then benefits from twelve months of aging in Burgundy barrels, ranging from new to three years old, whose different origins and proportions support its structure without masking its identity. An additional period of bottle aging traditionally completes this maturation before marketing. Presented in magnum format, this 2024 vintage benefits from a particularly interesting size for aging, which promotes a gradual and harmonious evolution while preserving the freshness of the fruit.
The 2024 Clos des Grives should reveal the full personality of the great northern Rhône Syrahs, with a bouquet combining blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry with nuances of violet, pepper, and delicate spices. Upon aeration, notes of licorice, black olive, and a slight smoky dimension may gradually enrich this aromatic expression. On the palate, the material promises beautiful depth, supported by a precise tannic framework whose fine grain is one of the signatures of this cuvée. The freshness of the vintage should bring momentum to this generous structure, preserving a balance between concentration, elegance, and persistence. The finish should linger on black fruits and spices, with a tension that will favorably accompany its evolution in the cellar. Thanks to its magnum format, this Clos des Grives can be kept for many years, gradually developing nuances of leather, undergrowth, and truffle. It will pair particularly well with a matured rib steak, roasted thyme lamb rack, pigeon with ceps, or royal hare, gastronomic preparations capable of matching its depth and complexity.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah
