Domaine Combier - Crozes-Hermitage rouge 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

One of the most consistent estates in the Crozes appellation for over thirty years, where vines and apricots are grown with the same passion. Julien and David have joined their father Laurent. They farm 50 hectares of vines, mostly located on the rolled pebbles of the Châssis plain, as well as some granitic areas in the north of the appellation and a little in Saint Joseph. Clos-des-Grives, made from nine hectares of lovingly tended vines, has excelled over time in both colors.

Decanter

About the wine:

Menthol on the nose, a touch of cola and some herbal essences too. The acidity is remarkably lively given the ripeness of the fruit, the tannins are quite massive but should settle down after a year or two. Sweet and succulent.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

An engaging man, Laurent Combier has revealed the grandeur of the fine terroirs of Crozes-Hermitages, on the clay-limestone plateau with rolled pebbles of Pont-d'Isère. Vintage after vintage, he has constantly improved his wines in terms of finesse and definition, to the point where they can be compared, without blushing, to cuvées from much more prestigious terroirs. His Clos des Grives is one of the Rhône's most seductive and profound Syrahs. Its ageing potential is remarkable in great vintages. Laurent now works with his sons Julien and David.

Vinous A. Galloni

James Suckling

About the wine:

A velvety, balanced and pure Crozes-Hermitage. Notes of black cherry, violet and fresh black pepper. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Crisp, transparent and pulpy. Crushed black cherry is accompanied by a hint of pepper that adds freshness throughout the finish. Enjoy or keep.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

The Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Combier 2022 is frank and charming, with a ripe, structured and complex profile offering plenty of darker, almost blue fruit, lots of violet and floral nuances, ripe tannins, and a broad, expansive, forward palate. It has a little more density and concentration than the fruitier Laurent Combier, and I think it will benefit from a year or three of bottle age. This is clearly an exceptional wine in the making.