Domaine Combier - Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives 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:

The intense clove nose leads to a full-bodied palate, but the tannins remain soft and supple, and the finish is long. A serious wine that will take many years to round out. Given the power and concentration, the alcohol is remarkably light. A difficult wine to judge because of the intensity of the oak, both aromatically and texturally, but I predict this wine will be very impressive when it's ready. Don't open it before 2030.

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.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

The nose is quite marked by oak, kirsch and blackberry. The palate is dense, but the oak is really well balanced in the mid-palate, which is vibrant and full of energy. Sweet fruit, oak spice, leather and tapenade on the bright blue-fruit finish.

Vinous A. Galloni

James Suckling

About the wine:

A refined, floral, seductive and extremely agile Syrah with notes of black cherries, blueberries, bacon and peppercorns. Medium-bodied, with fine-grained tannins. The palate is elegant, pure and charming, with a transparent character. The violet core brings freshness and brightness to the center, with a harmonious framework of fine tannins challenged by the right amount of black pepper. Long, vibrant finish.

Jeb Dunnuck