Alain Graillot
Crozes-Hermitage Syrah
Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
Reference point Syrah for me and although at the riper end of the Graillot scale still brimming with purity and complexity - 2016
Reference point Syrah for me and although at the riper end of the Graillot scale still brimming with purity and complexity - 2016
Oct 13th, 2018
'14, '15, '16. All had the Same Graillot earthy dark berry base palette. The '14 was meaty on top of that. '15 savory and spices. And the '16 had more up front fruit and acidity... almost deviating in style but in a good way. A revisit in 5 years is a must.
'14, '15, '16. All had the Same Graillot earthy dark berry base palette. The '14 was meaty on top of that. '15 savory and spices. And the '16 had more up front fruit and acidity... almost deviating in style but in a good way. A revisit in 5 years is a must.
Sep 27th, 2018
Changed rather quickly. Was all fruit upon first opening then got more brambly then got funky like Northern Rhône Syrah. Really would love to try this with some age.
Changed rather quickly. Was all fruit upon first opening then got more brambly then got funky like Northern Rhône Syrah. Really would love to try this with some age.
Jul 31st, 2018
Intense floral and elegance on the palate.
Intense floral and elegance on the palate.
Mar 26th, 2018
Nose: blueberry, dried cherry, slight cedar, forest floor, bit of barnyard, raw meat.
Nose: blueberry, dried cherry, slight cedar, forest floor, bit of barnyard, raw meat.
Mar 9th, 2018
Hol... Lee... Crap... this wine dropped my freaking jaw. One of the most memorable wines I've had in some time - and all to do with the bouquet. It's sublime. It's haunting. It never ends. Where shall I begin? Potpourri. Chinese 5 spice. Roasted meat (for you Texans, think freshly sliced brisket from your favorite pit). Smoke. I am absolutely swoon.
The color is also dark, much darker than I would have expected given the cooler vintage. The vintage does show however on the palate with a vibrancy and verve of acidity, but that in no way deters, but rather, adds to the complexity and enjoyability of this beaut. Sour raspberries, red plum, more spice and game on the palate. Fresh, but austere. Words can't explain how much I love this wine.. and especially at only $35. A standard bearer for Crozes-Hermitage, done whole-cluster. Alain and his son Maxime are geniuses.
Hol... Lee... Crap... this wine dropped my freaking jaw. One of the most memorable wines I've had in some time - and all to do with the bouquet. It's sublime. It's haunting. It never ends. Where shall I begin? Potpourri. Chinese 5 spice. Roasted meat (for you Texans, think freshly sliced brisket from your favorite pit). Smoke. I am absolutely swoon.
The color is also dark, much darker than I would have expected given the cooler vintage. The vintage does show however on the palate with a vibrancy and verve of acidity, but that in no way deters, but rather, adds to the complexity and enjoyability of this beaut. Sour raspberries, red plum, more spice and game on the palate. Fresh, but austere. Words can't explain how much I love this wine.. and especially at only $35. A standard bearer for Crozes-Hermitage, done whole-cluster. Alain and his son Maxime are geniuses.
Less fruit than LBT, touch reduced, meaty, savory, mineral. Beef blood, iron, olive, granite, blackberry and plum. Garrigue notes the background. Showing more acid and linear profile and tight. Although maybe a little shut down right now I’m confident these will do great in the long haul.
Less fruit than LBT, touch reduced, meaty, savory, mineral. Beef blood, iron, olive, granite, blackberry and plum. Garrigue notes the background. Showing more acid and linear profile and tight. Although maybe a little shut down right now I’m confident these will do great in the long haul.
Dec 27th, 2017
Young yet nicely concentrated, notes of blackberry, incense, peppercorn and spices
Young yet nicely concentrated, notes of blackberry, incense, peppercorn and spices
Dec 9th, 2017