Domaine Combier : Clos des Grives 2023

The 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives initially lifts notes of pronounced wood smoke, clove, ripe black fruits and a touch of graphite. Medium-bodied and smooth, the 2023 is a serious red Crozes-Hermitage, coming in at eye level with the 2022 I tasted last year. Savory and layered, the 2023 follows through with persistence on the ferrous finale.

The flagship from this reference point estate in Crozes, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Clos Des Grives offers a gorgeous nose of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, spicy wood, and pepper, as well as a beautiful floral character. It's medium-bodied and has terrific mid-palate concentration, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. I'd put this up with the top wines in the appellation, and it's an absolutely brilliant Crozes that I'd love to have in the cellar. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15+ years. Drink 2028-2043.