Savory Crozes from Domaine Combier
Domaine Combier has long been one of the reference producers in Crozes-Hermitage, and critics have consistently rewarded them for it. Vintage after vintage, their wines earn praise for precision, purity, and their unmistakably Northern Rhône character. The 2021, a classic and balanced year, is no exception, highlighting freshness with savory depth, making it a wonderful expression of Syrah from this part of the Rhône.
Violets and jasmine tea rise from the glass, followed by the unmistakable savory notes that Syrah lovers crave (such as myself); bacon fat, cracked pepper, olive tapenade, and smoked meat. On the palate, it is medium-bodied but deeply expressive, with vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a mineral backbone that keeps everything focused and food-friendly. This is classic, savoury Northern Rhône Syrah through and through.
What elevates this Crozes-Hermitage even further is where it comes from. These are not generic, flatland Crozes parcels. Domaine Combier’s best vineyards sit right in the shadow of the hill of Hermitage itself, in some of the most prized sites within Crozes-Hermitage. The soils here deliver structure and depth that in the best vintages rivals wines from far more famous appellations just up the river.
The vines themselves average over 30 years of age, and that maturity shows in the wine’s concentration and balance. Older vines naturally limit yields, producing smaller berries with greater intensity and complexity. The result is a Syrah that is expressive without being heavy, powerful without losing finesse.
This is the kind of bottle that reminds you why Crozes-Hermitage, in the right hands and from the right sites, can offer extraordinary value. It delivers all the aromatic complexity, savory nuance, and age-worthy structure you expect from the Northern Rhône. I’ve said before that I am a sucker for Syrah, and this one is done just right. I’m often sceptical of Crozes due to the volume produced, but this one hits just right.
92 Points, James Suckling
An aromatic nose of dark cherries, black pepper, smoked bacon and tons of violets. It's medium-bodied with silky tannins. Fresh and floral with elegance and poise. Well-rounded and transparent with a vivid finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.