2012CombierCapNord2012 Domaine Laurent Combier, Cap Nord, Saint-Joseph Rouge, Rhone, France.
The Cap Nord Saint-Joseph Syrah from Laurent Combier is an organic red made from 20 Year Old vines on north-eastern exposure, hence the name “Cap Nord” and it is a lovely expression of varietal and terroir with it’s granite soils giving mineral complexity and floral notes to go with a pure juicy nature. The 2012 Cap Nord shows cool climate bright acidity with dark fruit and medium weight, fermented using native yeast and aged in large cask highlights the true character of the grape and place with flinty/pepper spice, violets, black raspberry, sweet plum and tart blueberry. Imported by Charles Neal, the Domaine Combier wines are great values and interesting wines with Laurent Combier really coming into his own as a winemaker, be sure sure to also check out his Crozes-Hermitage as well, it is really a bargain, not costing much more than a Cotes du Rhone, but this Cap Nord is in particular a beautiful wine with graceful tannins and easy textures. I enjoy this 2012 Cap Nord a lot and it was especially distinct with cuisine and it really hit the spot for my Syrah craving, I’ll be drink more of this no question and I’ll be following it over the next vintages as well.
($30 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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