Alain Graillot
Crozes-Hermitage Syrah
Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
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
Very dark blackish rubi robe, nose of cassis, asian spices, blackcurrant and cedar, with a hint of flowers. Too hot a vintage and not to our taste, but the wine is light on its feet, fresh and quite elegant for the concentration. This is top notch and highly recommended.
Very dark blackish rubi robe, nose of cassis, asian spices, blackcurrant and cedar, with a hint of flowers. Too hot a vintage and not to our taste, but the wine is light on its feet, fresh and quite elegant for the concentration. This is top notch and highly recommended.
Sep 14th, 2024Blackberry, black plum, black olive, licorice, savory, smoked meat, baking spice, dried herbs, black pepper. Beautiful wine that will only improve with age
Blackberry, black plum, black olive, licorice, savory, smoked meat, baking spice, dried herbs, black pepper. Beautiful wine that will only improve with age
Dec 22nd, 2023
100% Syrah. Dark purple color. Beautiful aromas of black fruit, fresh herbs, black tea and freshly tilled soil. Intense flavors of plum, black cherry, black currant, black olives and fennel spice fill the pallet. Touch of black pepper, smoke and minerality on the medium-plus finish. Nice integration of tannins and acidity. Great now and outstanding aging capability.
100% Syrah. Dark purple color. Beautiful aromas of black fruit, fresh herbs, black tea and freshly tilled soil. Intense flavors of plum, black cherry, black currant, black olives and fennel spice fill the pallet. Touch of black pepper, smoke and minerality on the medium-plus finish. Nice integration of tannins and acidity. Great now and outstanding aging capability.
Feb 12th, 2023
Mild citrus, herbaceous, floral, lemon, medium flavor. It’s actually marssane roussane.
Mild citrus, herbaceous, floral, lemon, medium flavor. It’s actually marssane roussane.
Jan 30th, 2022
Ronnie had this a year ago
Ronnie had this a year ago
Dec 27th, 2023