Domaine Combier - Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives rouge 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

One of the most consistent estates in the Crozes appellation for over thirty years, where vines and apricots are cultivated with equal passion. Julien and David have joined their father Laurent. They cultivate 50 hectares of vines, mainly located on the rounded pebbles of the Plaine des Châssis, as well as a few granite areas to the north of the appellation and a little in Saint-Joseph. The Clos-des-Grives, produced from nine hectares of lovingly tended vines, excels over time in both colors.

Decanter

About wine:

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

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the estate:

A charming man, Laurent Combier has revealed the greatness of the beautiful terroirs of Crozes-Hermitage, on the clay-limestone plateau with rounded pebbles of Pont-d'Isère. Vintage after vintage, he has continuously improved his wines in terms of finesse and definition, to the point where they can be compared, without embarrassment, to vintages from much more prestigious terroirs. His Clos des Grives is one of the most seductive and profound Syrahs in the Rhône. Its aging potential is remarkable in great vintages. Laurent now works alongside his sons Julien and David.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

The nose is quite marked by oak, cherry brandy, 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 spices, leather, and tapenade on the bright blue fruit finish.

Vinous

James Suckling

About 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 just the right amount of black pepper. Long and vibrant finish.

Jeb Dunnuck