Domaine Combier : Cap Nord 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Cap Nord 2023 Domaine Combier

Tasting

Colour
With beautiful depth, the visual reveals an intense ruby hue, enhanced by delicate violet reflections.

Nose
The bouquet opens with aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, heightened by touches of white pepper and dried spices. Subtle floral notes of violet and hints of wild herbs blend with a mineral, stony imprint typical of granitic terroirs.

Palate
The silky attack leads into a mid-palate of beautiful breadth, supported by fine, perfectly integrated tannins. The remarkably long finish stretches out with persistent minerality and sweet spices, offering an overall sense of great precision and refinement.

Food and wine pairing
This red wine pairs wonderfully with characterful meats such as herb-crusted hanger steak, duck with olives or roasted game. It also enhances mushroom-based dishes, such as a forest risotto, as well as pressed cooked-curd cheeses like Comté or Beaufort. More boldly, it pairs perfectly with fine white-fleshed fish such as monkfish or halibut.

Service and storage
With a beautiful structure, the Cap Nord 2023 can be enjoyed now or cellared until at least 2035.

The mineral and refined expression of a great Crozes-Hermitage wine

The estate
Founded in 1936 by Camille Combier, Domaine Combier has established itself as a true benchmark in the Rhône Valley. Now spanning sixty hectares, the estate is recognised for its pioneering role in organic viticulture, certified as early as 1970 under the impetus of Maurice Combier. Currently run by Laurent Combier and his sons, David and Julien, the family estate carries on a demanding philosophy. Respect for living systems, inspired by the principles of biodynamics, guides every stage of production to reveal the authenticity and purity of their great wines.

The vineyard
The plots dedicated to this cuvée are located in the north of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, in the communes of Gervans and Serves-sur-Rhône. Rising to between 300 and 450 metres in altitude with a north/north-east exposure, the vines grow on highly draining soils composed of loess and granitic rock. This distinctive terroir places mineral stress on the plant and encourages a long growing cycle, conducive to slow ripening. The harvest is carried out by hand, with rigorous sorting of the berries.

The vintage
The year was marked by unusual weather conditions that particularly favoured the expression of terroir on the northern plots. This specific weather pattern allowed for the development of exceptional minerality, giving the grapes a unique signature and a strongly marked identity compared to previous years.

Winemaking and aging
The making of the Cap Nord 2023 is based on a natural approach, with fermentations triggered exclusively by indigenous yeasts. The wine then benefits from careful aging in oak, allowing for a slow, gentle polymerisation of the tannins, in order to preserve the brightness of the fruit and the finesse of the structure.

Grape variety
100% Syrah