Domaine du Colombier
Crozes-Hermitage - Hermitage (Rhône Valley)

The Estate
 Domaine du Colombier is located in the Northern Rhône Valley, in the left bank of the Rhône River. The estate has been part of the family since the First World War. The owners gradually moved from a sharecroppers status to that of owners. Florent Viale joined his father in 1990 and decided to bottle part of their production in 1991. Now they sell 80% in bottle, 20% in bulk.


Guillaume Pourtalet, Fran Kysela and Florent Viale
- Wine Trip, January 2005


Guillaume Pourtalet and Florent Viale


The town of Tain l'Hermitage


The Hermitage Chapel

The Vineyard
 This 12 hectare (30 acres) Domaine spreads over the two communes of Tain l'Hermitage and Mercurol and is comprised of:

1.6 hectares (4 acres) of Hermitage
1.2 hectares (3 acres) of white Crozes-Hermitage
9.2 hectares (23 acres) of red Crozes-Hermitage.
Total: 12 hectares (30 acres)

The vineyard, located on stony hillside, is planted with old vines (50-55 years of age): Syrah for the red and Marsanne for the white. The grapes are harvested by hand.

The Wines



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#F0EE122024SYL
UPC code: 7 84585 00131 6
2006 Domaine du Colombier, Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 12/750ml
Filled with red berry fruits, a vibrant palate, good tannins and a long finish.

#F0EE122030SYL
UPC code: 7 84585 00131 6
2005 Domaine du Colombier, Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 12/750ml
 "Toasty, savoury nourishing red. Relatively light weight with detectable acidity but very comfortable, confident winemaking. A lovely expression of the appellation. Still some tannin on the finish." - Jancis Robinson, 16.5/20 
-  Drink 2008-11

"In the mouth it's fresh and fruity. An easy-drinking Crozes-Hermitage, bursting with cherries, brought into focus by some youthful tannins and crisp acids. Drink now-2012."
- Wine Enthusiast (Sep. 2007)

National Retail Price: $29.99 / bottle



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Bottle Shot: Trio1, Trio2 and Trio3

 

#F0EE122010SYL
UPC code: 7 84585 00132 3
2009 Domaine du Colombier,  Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, Cuvée Gaby 12/750ml
100% Syrah. Named in honor of Florent Viale's father, Gabriel, this selection of old plots sees new wood and has the stuffing to take it. Denser than the regular Crozes rouge, like a dry vintage port with blueberry, morello cherry and cocoa powder flavors, well-oaked with typical roasted meat nuances. Vibrant, elegant blueberry flavors. Long finish, hint of black pepper on the palate.

 "The opaque inky/blue/black-colored 2009 Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Gaby is even more concentrated, offering up notes of ink, graphite, meat, incense, herbs, blackberries and cassis. Full-bodied and dense, it is a seriously endowed wine that should drink well for 10-12+ years."
- Wine Advocate issue 193 (February 2011)
90-93 pts

#F0EE122025SYL
UPC code: 7 84585 00132 3
2006 Domaine du Colombier,  Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, Cuvée Gaby 12/750ml
100% Syrah. Named in honor of Florent Viale's father, Gabriel, this selection of old plots sees new wood and has the stuffing to take it. Denser than the regular Crozes rouge, like a dry vintage port with blueberry, morello cherry and cocoa powder flavors, well-oaked with typical roasted meat nuances. Vibrant, elegant blueberry flavors. Long finish, hint of black pepper on the palate.

#F0EE122031SYL
UPC code: 7 84585 00132 3
2005 Domaine du Colombier,  Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, Cuvée Gaby 12/750ml

 National Retail Price: $41.95 / bottle






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#F0EE122035MSS
UPC code: 7 84585 00830 8 7
2005 Domaine du Colombier, Hermitage Blanc 12/750ml
A blend of 100% Marsanne.
Barrel fermented, aging in 50% new oak, 50% 1 year old barrel.
Brilliant yellow color. Intense aromas of acacia, pear, honey, exotic fruits, toasty notes. Well balanced on the palate, elegant. White flowers, anise, spices. Long finish. A superb wine.

"Toasty on the nose, accented by hints of peach, then turning honeyed and rich on the palate, with a slightly oily texture. Layers of velvety richness fill the mouth, with just enough acid to leave a lasting finish."
- Wine Enthusiast (Sep. 2007), 92 pts

#F1EE122006MSS   
UPC code: 7 84585 00830 8 7
2004 Domaine du Colombier, Hermitage Blanc 12/750ml
A blend of 100% Marsanne.
Intense floral nose with hints of jasmine, spice and honey. Rich, harmonious and refreshing, with a superb long finish. Will age for a few years.
National Retail Price: $104.95 / bottle



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shelf talker

#F0EE122034SYL
UPC code: 7 84585 001134 7
2005 Domaine du Colombier, Hermitage Rouge 12/750ml
Unbelievable density and concentration here, rich, roasted flavors of hickory and blackberries with brambly, savage animal notes. A real beast of a wine to serve with a well roasted beef. It will certainly flesh out with a bit of time in the bottle (or decanter). Superb wine.

 #F0EE12211
UPC code: 7 84585 001134 7
2004 Domaine du Colombier, Hermitage Rouge 12/750ml
"Nicely defined on the nose, with precise spice and herbal notes that add complexity to the crunchy red fruit flavors. Ripe tannins and an easy finish make for an approachable Hermitage that should be consumed on the young side. Drink now-2014."
- Wine Enthusiast (Sep. 2007), 90 pts

National Retail Price: $104.95 / bottle