Le Clos des Grives pays tribute to the oldest vineyard plot at Domaine Combier — 9.5 hectares planted in 1952 on a clay-limestone plateau with rounded pebbles in Pont-de-l'Isère. It was this historic plot that became the estate’s flagship wine in the late 1990s, when Laurent Combier joined the family business and built his own winery. Organic since 1970, it was one of the very first estates to put Crozes-Hermitage on the map.
Made from the vineyard’s oldest Syrah vines, this cuvée stands out for its depth and aromatic richness. Hand-harvested, fully destemmed, fermented for 25 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with pumping over in the morning and evening, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. Aged for 12 months in Burgundy oak barrels (new to three years old), followed by an additional 12 months of bottle aging before release.
The 2023 vintage reveals a deep red color with purplish highlights, a nose of blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry, violet, black pepper, and fresh licorice, evolving toward truffle and cigar box. Full-bodied and rich on the palate, with fine tannins and a long, briny finish.
Serve at 17 °C; decant. Food pairings: rib of beef, rack of lamb, game. Aging potential: 10–15 years.
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