While the Purple Label Combier Crozes-Hermitage has been one of the most popular wines we’ve sold at Mission over the last few years, rightly so given its supreme value for the quality, our wine team has recently gone crazy for the next step up on the hierarchy: the 2021 Domaine Combier Crozes-Hermitage, a wine that sees longer fermentation times and extra maturation in used oak.

The point of organic farming isn’t just to be kind to the earth, but also to bring out the true flavor of the fruits and vegetables being harvested—a full symphony of flavor, free of the muting chemical agents. Simply put, the flavors in the 2021 Domaine wine are the archetype for what Northern Rhône Syrah should taste like. Dark berries, smoked meats, freshly-cracked black pepper and violets galore.

If you note James Suckling’s glowing review below, you’ll see those are the flavors he clearly highlights in his description. In short, this is the wine you use to teach people what French Syrah is supposed to taste like.

If you’ve ever been curious as to why Northern Rhône wines are so expensive, and would like to test drive a beautiful bottle before plunging further down the rabbit hole, this is your wine.

Laurent Combier is a man who truly believes in the power or organics. "My father once had the dream to make the farm completely self-sustaining, making bio-fuel with the help of the animals on the farm," he stated during a conversation with importer Charles Neal. It’s clear from one sip of this wine that whatever he’s doing works!

92 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - An aromatic nose of dark cherries, black pepper, smoked bacon and tons of violets. It's medium-bodied with silky tannins. Fresh and floral with elegance and poise. Well-rounded and transparent with a vivid finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.