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.

The Syrah in this cuvée is cultivated on a plateau of clay, limestone and rolled pebbles. The berries are fully de-stemmed and punched down and pumped over daily. The wine is then matured for between eight and ten months in concrete, egg-shaped tanks. It is unbelievably moreish, fresh and fruity.