At a glance

Producer

Domaine Combier

Region

Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

€55-€80 (USD $60-$90) retail, higher in auction or rare wine markets

Tasting profile

Aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, violets, hints of black olive, and floral/anise with integrated oak. Palate shows supple tannins, fresh black fruit, subtle spice, and granitic minerality.

Evolution: Primary fruit maturing into secondary leathery, earthy, and peppery tones. Tertiary nuances of dried flowers, tobacco, and forest floor will emerge through 2028.

At peak: Most harmonious integration of fruit, tannin, and earth, especially 2022-2028. Past 2030, may lose some fruit intensity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high, providing freshness and longevity

Tannins

Refined, polished, medium-plus intensity

Alcohol

13.5% ABV (typical for this cuvée/vintage)

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage; top vintages even longer

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2040

Optimal window

2020 to 2043

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Wine is in optimal maturation with complex tertiary development, healthy acidity and tannin structure

The 2015 vintage of Clos des Grives is highly regarded for its concentration and structure, with the best bottles peaking as the tannins soften but before tertiary notes overpower the ripe core fruit. The wine is crafted for aging, with careful winemaking and premium Syrah fruit from estate vines.

Food pairing

Grilled or roasted lamb, duck with cherries, braised short ribs, venison tenderloin, hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda), wild mushroom ragout.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Young enough to benefit from aeration—decanting helps open up aromatics, soften tannins, and enhance complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

100% organic farming since 1970s; no synthetic pesticides/herbicides; cover crops and biodiversity initiatives; solar energy for winery operations; gravity flow winemaking; lightweight glass bottles; ecological packaging; native yeast fermentation.

Domaine Combier is a recognized sustainability leader in the Rhône, pioneering organic viticulture in Crozes-Hermitage and practicing regenerative farming. The domaine limits chemical inputs, protects soil health, and increases biodiversity. Its energy-efficient production, native yeast fermentations, and low-intervention winemaking further reduce impact. While carbon footprint increases with export, local transport and packaging are best-in-class, making this wine among France's most environmentally responsible Syrahs.