Alain Graillot - Crozes-Hermitage - 2016 - 750 ml

The Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2017 is an iconic red wine from the Rhone Valley, from the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, one of the most recognized in the region. This wine is one of the jewels of the Alain Graillot estate, a key winemaker in the world of Syrah, particularly recognized for its fine, elegant and perfectly balanced wines.

Characteristics of the Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2017 :

• Grape variety : 100% Syrah , an essential grape variety of the region, which expresses all its richness and typicality in this terroir of the Rhone Valley. The Syrah of Crozes-Hermitage is known for its powerful aromas of black fruits and its spicy notes, while retaining a beautiful freshness and a silky texture.

• Color : The wine has a deep red color, from dark purple to ruby, which reflects its youth and concentration.

• Nose : The nose is complex, with a beautiful aromatic intensity. It reveals aromas of ripe black fruits, such as blackcurrant and blackberry, accompanied by spicy notes of black pepper, liquorice, and sometimes a touch of violet. Nuances of garrigue, with touches of thyme and rosemary, also bring a Mediterranean dimension, typical of the terroir of the Rhone Valley.

• Palate : On the palate, this 2017 Crozes-Hermitage stands out for its perfect balance between structure and finesse. The tannins are firm but elegant, with a silky and velvety texture. The fruit is generous, with a beautiful freshness, while the minerality of the terroir is felt in the background, bringing a beautiful definition to the wine. The finish is long, with a persistence of black fruits and spicy notes that give it a beautiful complexity.

• Food and wine pairings : This wine goes perfectly with grilled or sauced red meats (rib steak, leg of lamb), simmered dishes (stew, civet), poultry in sauce, but also mature cheeses such as comté, gruyère or roquefort. It is also delicious with Mediterranean cuisine dishes based on grilled vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Critics' Notes:

• Robert Parker : Alain Graillot's 2017 Crozes-Hermitage received a score of 90/100 , praising its "beautiful complexity and elegance." The wine is described as "intense and fruity," with a lingering, well-balanced finish.

• Wine Spectator : This vintage received 91/100 , highlighting the wine's "freshness and purity," with notes of black fruits and spices, and a "supple and elegant" palate. The critics also appreciate its ability to improve with age.

• Jancis Robinson : This wine received 16.5/20 from Jancis Robinson, who highlighted its balanced structure, richness and beautiful texture on the palate. She describes the wine as having "great precision and depth", with excellent ageing potential.

• Guide to the Best Wines of France : Graillot's 2017 Crozes-Hermitage earned a score of 16.5/20 , praising its "beautiful definition of Syrah," its "freshness," and its balance between fruit and minerality. This wine is particularly appreciated for its ability to faithfully reflect its terroir.

Conclusion :

The Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2017 is an elegant, complex and well-structured wine that perfectly reflects the style of the Graillot estate. With its beautiful balance of fruit, spice and minerality, it embodies the typicality of Crozes-Hermitage Syrah and offers a refined tasting experience. This wine can be enjoyed now, but it also has interesting aging potential (5 to 8 years), during which it will develop even more complexity. A perfect choice for lovers of Syrah and Rhone Valley wines.