Domaine Combier - Hermitage Blanc 2023
An emblematic estate of Crozes Hermitage, Combier takes a new step in its history with Hermitage Blanc 2023 by settling on one of the most prestigious slopes of northern Rhône. True to its philosophy, the family continues here a work of high precision, based on respect for the soils, controlled yields, and perfectly adjusted maturities. The vines are managed in an approach close to organic, with constant attention to soil life and the freshness of the grapes. On Hermitage, the estate seeks less demonstration than balance, finesse, and digestibility. This first vintage of white illustrates the desire to offer an elegant and luminous interpretation of this mythical terroir. Hermitage Blanc 2023 thus establishes itself as a great gastronomic cuvée destined to become a reference.
Hermitage Blanc 2023 comes from ideally exposed parcels, planted mainly with Marsanne on soils mixing ancient alluvium, pebbles, and granite outcrops. The vintage, sunny but without excess, allowed reaching a rich maturity while maintaining sufficient acidic structure to support the wine. The harvest is entirely manual, in the coolness of the morning, with meticulous sorting in the vineyard. The grapes are gently pressed, then the juices are put into barrels and demi-muids, where fermentations occur thanks to indigenous yeasts only. Aging on fine lees, with measured bâtonnage, brings volume and complexity without ever weighing down the structure. The wood remains deliberately discreet, used as a supporting element serving the terroir rather than as a marked signature.
On tasting, the nose reveals a broad bouquet of white flowers, vine peach, fresh apricot, and light honey, complemented by notes of almond, linden, and a touch of beeswax. On the palate, the attack is generous and silky, with a dense texture that coats the palate while being perfectly held by subtle freshness. The mid-palate blends ripe yellow fruits, candied citrus, fine lemon cream, and soft spices, supported by a mineral framework that brings relief and length. The finish is very long, persistent, marked by notes of toasted hazelnut, flower honey, and noble bitters of citrus peel that structure the whole. At the table, Hermitage Blanc 2023 ideally accompanies free-range poultry with morels, lobster roasted with lemon butter, a noble fish in sauce, seared scallops, or a truffle risotto. It will also find superb pairings with long-aged pressed cheeses such as an old Comté or an alpine Beaufort.
Grape varieties: 100% Marsanne.
