This domaine was founded by Laurent Combier’s great grand father in 1936 and started out life as several hectares of vines (the grapes were sold every year to the local cooperative) and apricot trees. In 1989, Laurent’s parents ended the deal with the negociant and started looking after the 5 hectares themselves. Little by little they expanded the domaine to 15 hectares. Today it spans 25 hectares (mostly in Crozes but with a small amount in Saint-Joseph). Laurent’s arrival in 1990 marked a new chapter for the domaine. This oenology graduate constructed a new winery and made the domaine entirely independent (it was he who pushed for a break from the cooperative), introducing new methods such as the use of concrete vats and amphorae to give the wines a silkier texture. Today the wines have reached new heights. Organically produced and matured in a way that preserves the freshness and fruit, it’s difficult to find a better Crozes-Hermitage! Difficult, but not impossiblele as Laurent Combier has started working with the Spanish oenologue Veronica Ortega on some parcel selections in Crozes and Saint-Joseph. First results are very promising and these cuvées will be on the market soon.

Domaine Combier has created a red Saint-Joseph whose Syrah come from the granite slopes of Saint-Jean de Muzols. Its yields have been limited to 35hl /ha. The berries are stewed for 25 days in stainless steel vats, are pumped over every day, undergo malolactic fermentation in barrels and age for a year in new barrels. On drinking, it exudes notes which are typical of Syrah: red and black fruit, spices and violet. This is a cuvée that will pair beautifully with duck in an olive sauce.