2021 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge [JS94]

Producer: Alain Graillot 
Region: Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France  
Varietal: Syrah  
Year: 2021 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"A very pure and floral nose with cherries, violets and plums as well. Medium body with velvety tannins and bright acidity. Such a succulent core of redcurrants and violets with minerality and a transparent character to the focused finish. Drink or hold." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"Spice-tinged aromas of fresh dark berries and violet carry a subtle smoky note. Juicy and nervy on the penetrating, seamless and extremely persistent finish." 

About the Producer: 

"In France’s Northern Rhone Valley, there are few names as revered as Graillot. It was in 1985 that the now legendary Alain Graillot, who after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac, came back to his home in Crozes-Hermitage to start his own domaine. With each passing year his devotion to the art of making hauntingly delicious Syrah from his organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards, has been rewarded with an ever growing and highly dedicated following around the world.

Alain’s sons Maxime and Antoine have been in charge since 2008, with Alain working closely alongside them to this day. All the work is still completely the same as it ever was: hand-harvesting, organic farming, whole-cluster fermentation, and aging the wines primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels purchased from some of the top estates in Burgundy. In great years, the domaine also makes tiny quantities of a barrel selection knows as “La Guiraude,” a rare and remarkably complex wine of particular distinction. The domaine’s status as one of the top domaines in all of France is without question and the whole lineup are must-haves for any serious Northern Rhone fan."  

Alcohol: 13% 

Organically farmed. 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.