The 2023 Domaine Combier Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives is the estate’s flagship red and one of the benchmark wines of Crozes-Hermitage. Sourced from a single organically farmed vineyard planted on rounded river stones and clay soils, the wine is produced from low-yielding old-vine Syrah and crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Laurent Combier’s pioneering organic approach and minimalist winemaking philosophy have made Clos des Grives one of the Northern Rhône’s most respected single-vineyard wines.
The nose reveals blackberry, black cherry and blueberry alongside notes of violet, cracked pepper, olive tapenade and graphite. The palate is concentrated yet beautifully refined, combining pure dark fruit with silky tannins, vibrant acidity and a strong mineral backbone. Layers of spice, smoked herbs and savoury complexity unfold through a long, persistent finish. The 2023 vintage offers impressive depth and structure while retaining the freshness and elegance that define this celebrated vineyard.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A serious Crozes-Hermitage that delivers complexity and finesse well beyond its appellation. Perfumed, structured and highly age-worthy, it pairs beautifully with roast lamb, duck, venison, grilled beef and mushroom dishes. Enjoy with a decant if drinking young, or cellar through 2038–2045 as it develops additional savoury and tertiary complexity.
