Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2014

A chemical engineer turned self-taught vigneron, the late Alain Graillot built one of Crozes-Hermitage’s most compelling domaines from scratch, demonstrating the potential of this once-humble appellation as a source of some of the Rhône’s most affordable, artisanal Syrahs.

Put off by Burgundy’s high land prices in the 1980s, Alain was instead urged by his friends Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac and Patrick Bize of Domaine Simon Bize et Fils to take over a vineyard in Crozes-Hermitage – a large, gently sloping area lying in the shadow of the Hermitage hill.

Implementing a rigorous organic farming approach as well as whole-cluster fermentation – then atypical for the region – Alain overturned perceptions and inspired successive generations with his finessed, spice-accented Syrahs. Taking over in 2008, Alain’s sons Antoine and Maxime have carried on their father’s legacy with equally impeccable wines.

From 30-year-old vines in La Chêne Verts, Domaine Graillot’s 2014 Crozes-Hermitage is aged in concrete and Burgundy barrels (10% new) for 12 months. Exhibiting 2014’s characteristic medium-bodied and fresh style, it offers peppery black fruit, earthy minerality, and fine powdery tannins. Don’t miss this opportunity to try a true benchmark in its category with age.

“Penetrating, spice-tinged scents – blackberry, liquorice, smoky minerals, and violet.
Silky and lively, with a suave floral quality.” 90 Points, Vinous