Dark, concentrated, traditional Syrah with lots of spice and tobacco flavours and good dark, plumy fruit. Made very much in the uncompromising style of a classic Northern Rhône, not unlike Crozes Hermitage.
Jean-marie Lombard's principal red wine, in volume terms, is called Grand Chêne (named after a tree in the vineyard rather than any elaborate oak treatment) and is made from pure Syrah that is given an 8-10 month élevage in 5-7 year-old barrels. It has classic black fruit and saddle leather aromas and a mid-weight brambly palate with warming tannins. Approachable from bottling (if decanted), it repays 3-5 years bottle age. This wine is suited to simple, rustic cuisine - game being ideal.