Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Domaine Laurent Combier 2021

The Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives 2021 from Domaine Laurent Combier is a refined and expressive expression of Syrah, showcasing the power and elegance typical of northern Rhône wines. Sourced from the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, Clos des Grives benefits from granite and clay-limestone soils, giving the wine structure, tension, and aromatic complexity.

The 2021 vintage, marked by a cooler and more temperate growing season, preserved vibrant natural acidity while producing grapes that were fully ripe and perfectly balanced. The vines are meticulously cared for with sustainable vineyard practices, and the grapes are harvested entirely by hand to ensure only the healthiest and most expressive fruit is selected.

Winemaking at Domaine Laurent Combier remains deliberately minimalist: controlled fermentation, gentle extraction, and aging in carefully selected oak barrels. This approach allows the wine to reveal the purity and complexity of the fruit while integrating subtle spice and oak notes in harmony.

On the nose, Clos des Grives 2021 is intense and refined, displaying aromas of ripe black fruits—blackberry, blackcurrant—enhanced by peppery hints, delicate floral notes, and a subtle mineral undertone. On the palate, the wine is silky, structured, and well-balanced, with fine, elegant tannins and fresh acidity that provide energy and tension. The finish is long, precise, and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of purity and harmony.

This Crozes-Hermitage is approachable now after careful aeration, yet also has excellent aging potential, developing further complexity and depth over 8 to 12 years. The Clos des Grives 2021 perfectly exemplifies the precise, elegant style of Domaine Laurent Combier, offering a Syrah from the northern Rhône that is both powerful and refined.