Domaine des Grands Chemins
Red
- grape variety
- 100% SYRAH
- Soils
- Alluvial stones, granite
- Appellation
- Crozes-Hermitage
terroir of Domaine des Grands Chemins
On the east bank of the Rhône, along the 45th parallel, sits Crozes-Hermitage, the largest vineyard of the northern appellations. On sun-drenched alluvial terraces swept by the wind, the vines thrive in an environment that is both rugged and generous. To the north, the granitic slopes take over from the mythical inclines of l’Hermitage, imparting a defined structure and vibrant tension to the wines. To the south, the last ice age created vast terraces where smooth pebbles mix with fertile clay, sometimes topped by a fine layer of loess or white sand.
This wine offers an authentic, refined expression of Northern Rhône Syrah, while remaining true to the inviting style that is the hallmark of great Crozes-Hermitage wines.
Vintages
Vintage
Marked by a dry winter, the 2023 vintage benefited from a milder spring, which helped the vines withstand the intense summer heat. Despite limited yields, the harvest, beginning in late August, produced healthy, high-quality grapes, promising balanced and expressive wines.
Winemaking an ageing
The harvest is carried out by hand and placed in picking crates. The grapes are stored in a cold room before vatting. Once destemmed, the berries are transferred by gravity, using small vats, into truncated stainless-steel tanks. It is mainly during the first stage of fermentation that gentle extraction is performed, through carefully measured pump-overs and punch-downs.
Ageing is conducted for 50% of the volume in barrels for 12 months, with 20% new oak, and the remaining portion in stainless-steel tanks. A rigorous selection of lots is then carried out before racking and blending, after which the wine continues to mature for an additional 9 months prior to bottling.
wine profile
The wine displays a deep garnet color highlighted by violet reflections. The nose is rich and expressive, opening with aromas of black fruit preserves, combining black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant, subtly complemented by smoky notes and hints of licorice. With aeration, an underlying minerality reveals delicate nuances of eucalyptus and menthol.
On the palate, finesse and generosity blend harmoniously. The attack is fresh and vibrant, bringing impressive energy and lift. The texture is both tannic and dense, seducing with its fleshy character and almost silky mouthfeel. The overall balance is remarkable.
Its firm structure and long aromatic persistence endow it with excellent ageing potential.
rewards
Platinum (97)
June 2026
“Florid and vivid, manifesting a medley of rich autumnal black fruit, bonfire embers and heady peppery spice. Sculpted tannins and focused acidity frame the beautifully crafted flavour profile and sweet blueberry compote rounds things off.”
92
May 2026
“[…]. It opens with a deeper, more complex bouquet of dark fruits, fresh licorice and subtle spicy nuances. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and structured, it has good depth at the core, framed by precise, well-integrated tannins and a perfectly balanced palate. A slight oaky touch appears in the finish, yet the overall impression remains refined and well-crafted. This is a stunning wine.”
Technical information
Ageing
21 months
Cellar ageing
8 years
Vintage
Marked by exceptional drought conditions and unusually early ripening, the 2022 vintage will be remembered as one of the most distinctive in recent years. Following a late budburst caused by winter cold, a warm and sunny spring accelerated vine development, while the heat of summer encouraged remarkable berry concentration. Despite limited yields, the harvest revealed grapes in outstanding sanitary condition, combining intensity, balanced ripeness, freshness and precision.
Winemaking and ageing
The harvest is carried out by hand and placed in picking crates. The grapes are stored in a cold room before vatting. Once destemmed, the berries are transferred by gravity, using small vats, into truncated stainless-steel tanks. It is mainly during the first stage of fermentation that gentle extraction is performed, through carefully measured pump-overs and punch-downs.
Ageing is conducted for 50% of the volume in barrels for 12 months, with 20% new oak, and the remaining portion in stainless-steel tanks. A rigorous selection of lots is then carried out before racking and blending, after which the wine continues to mature for an additional 9 months prior to bottling.
Rewards
Silver
December 2025
95
January 2025
“[…] Sweetly aromatic, brooding nose with black cherries, blackberries and some olive and cured meat character. So stylish and refined. Ripe but so well balanced with good structure supporting the fruit. Has an elegance to it, but also some power, with great definition. Could age in interesting ways.”
Technical information
Ageing
21 months
Cellar ageing
8 years
rewards
92
vintage 2023
91-93
vintage 2024
