Alain Graillot
Crozes-Hermitage Syrah
Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
Charleston Food and Wine Classic…Rhône tasting.
Charleston Food and Wine Classic…Rhône tasting.
Sep 29th, 2024
Classic and absolutely delicious.
Classic and absolutely delicious.
Aug 14th, 2024
A very serious return to a cool vintage taste profile I don’t recall since the ‘14. Lavender, herbs, mineral in addition to the sweetly ripe blackberries and stems. Appreciating the 13% abv.
A very serious return to a cool vintage taste profile I don’t recall since the ‘14. Lavender, herbs, mineral in addition to the sweetly ripe blackberries and stems. Appreciating the 13% abv.
Apr 3rd, 2024
Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Consistent throughout. The 2020 Alain Graillot pours a deep ruby with a hit of violet. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. Some slight signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is moderate intensity. Fresh black bramble fruit, baked/smoked blueberries, dry oil cured black olives, black pepper, lavender potpourri, dried herb encrusted saucisson, stony minerals and subtle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry; medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is so long with a streak of minerals. The body is medium but the fruit is so grippy and clings to the palate giving the impression that it’s bigger than it is. Maxime said that they had picked way early compared to previous, recent years and completed harvest by September 3rd; a whole week before their neighbors began harvest. It shows. Remarkably fresh. Lovely. Utterly beautiful. Drink now with patience (and to enjoy the full-send freshness) or enjoy over the next 15+ years. Alain’s legacy seems to be in very good hands.
Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Consistent throughout. The 2020 Alain Graillot pours a deep ruby with a hit of violet. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. Some slight signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is moderate intensity. Fresh black bramble fruit, baked/smoked blueberries, dry oil cured black olives, black pepper, lavender potpourri, dried herb encrusted saucisson, stony minerals and subtle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry; medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is so long with a streak of minerals. The body is medium but the fruit is so grippy and clings to the palate giving the impression that it’s bigger than it is. Maxime said that they had picked way early compared to previous, recent years and completed harvest by September 3rd; a whole week before their neighbors began harvest. It shows. Remarkably fresh. Lovely. Utterly beautiful. Drink now with patience (and to enjoy the full-send freshness) or enjoy over the next 15+ years. Alain’s legacy seems to be in very good hands.
Oct 11th, 2023
Deep plum and red fruit, sweet baking spices, black olives, grilled meat, herbs crushed rock and chalk. Still high in acid, perhaps a tad too much as it affects the personality.
Deep plum and red fruit, sweet baking spices, black olives, grilled meat, herbs crushed rock and chalk. Still high in acid, perhaps a tad too much as it affects the personality.
Aug 6th, 2023
Vintage 2012 | dark colour, beautiful wine. Tasted this blind next to a Spätburgunder from the Ahr and a rightbank Bordeaux, thought it would blow the other wines away… but it did not. Perhaps a tad too old?
Vintage 2012 | dark colour, beautiful wine. Tasted this blind next to a Spätburgunder from the Ahr and a rightbank Bordeaux, thought it would blow the other wines away… but it did not. Perhaps a tad too old?
Mar 29th, 2023Jesus the 13 is on fire rn. Intense purple olive and cracked black pepper.
Jesus the 13 is on fire rn. Intense purple olive and cracked black pepper.
Dec 20th, 2022
100% Syrah, Medium Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and herb pepper spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and raspberry with some vegetal spice. Lively acidity with medium tannins, medium+ finish ending with a fruit and mineral character. Drinking well.
100% Syrah, Medium Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and herb pepper spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and raspberry with some vegetal spice. Lively acidity with medium tannins, medium+ finish ending with a fruit and mineral character. Drinking well.
Feb 15th, 2022
Black fruit, sweet spice, campfire and a touch of Brett. Polished texture with nice tannic tension
Black fruit, sweet spice, campfire and a touch of Brett. Polished texture with nice tannic tension
Jan 31st, 2022
Cleaner than 2017. Higher acid as well. Day 2, amazing!
Cleaner than 2017. Higher acid as well. Day 2, amazing!
Jan 26th, 2022