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Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2023 is one of the benchmark wines of the appellation and a highly distinctive expression of Northern Rhône Syrah. Fermented with 100% whole clusters, the 2023 combines black cherry, plum, ripe red fruit, violet, pepper and wild herbs with a fresh, savoury and beautifully balanced palate. Fine tannins and vibrant energy make this a particularly successful vintage.
Colour: deep ruby red with violet highlights.
Nose: expressive and complex, combining black cherry, plum and ripe red fruit with violet, pepper, liquorice and wild herbs. Aeration reveals additional smoky and spicy nuances.
Palate: medium-bodied, fresh and energetic, with juicy fruit supported by fine tannins and a savoury structure. The finish is long, vivid and spicy, with subtle mineral and saline nuances.
Alain Graillot's red Crozes-Hermitage is made exclusively from Syrah. The domaine's vineyards are mainly located around Pont-de-l'Isère on ancient alluvial terraces formed by the Rhône and Isère rivers. The highly free-draining soils contain sand and abundant rounded stones with relatively little topsoil.
The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with 100% whole clusters. Fermentation takes place in concrete using indigenous yeasts. A period of cold maceration precedes fermentation, followed by relatively short macerations of approximately 13 to 18 days with regular pump-overs and controlled temperatures. Whole clusters contribute significantly to the floral, spicy and fresh personality of the wine.
Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured for approximately 12 months in 228-litre barrels. The domaine uses seasoned barrels, generally between one and three wines old, to refine Syrah's texture and tannins without introducing obvious new-oak flavours. Bottling generally takes place without fining and with only minimal filtration when required.
Founded by Alain Graillot in 1985, the domaine has become one of the benchmark producers of Crozes-Hermitage. Today run by his sons Maxime and Antoine Graillot, it maintains a highly recognisable approach based on hand harvesting, whole clusters, restrained oak and freshness rather than excessive power. The vineyards are farmed according to organic principles.
The 2023 received 94/100 from James Suckling, 91/100 from Vinous and 91/100 from Wine Spectator. Reviews particularly highlight its balance, fine tannins, juicy fruit and the impressive freshness of its finish.
Serve this Crozes-Hermitage at around 16°C. It pairs beautifully with duck breast, rack of lamb, beef fillet, grilled pork or slow-cooked meat dishes. Already approachable with sufficient aeration, the 2023 has enough structure to develop gracefully for several years in bottle.
Crozes-Hermitage 2023 is an excellent introduction to the Graillot style. Less profound and designed for earlier drinking than La Guiraude, it already displays all the domaine's signatures: whole-cluster Syrah, vibrant fruit, violet, spice, fine tannins and impressive freshness. Enjoy after aeration or cellar for several years.
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Product Details
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2023
Country:
France
Area:
Rhone Valley
Appellation:
Crozes-Hermitage
Producer:
Domaine Alain Graillot
Vintage:
2023
Varietals:
100% Syrah
Dress:
Rouge intense
Bouquet:
Fruits noires et épices
Palate:
Puissant, frais et technique
Alcoholic Volume:
13%
In cellar:
5 to 10 years
Tasting profile:
Fruity
Food & Wine:
Red meat (Beef, Lamb...)
Crozes-Hermitage is the domaine's benchmark cuvée. La Guiraude is produced separately from a selection of the finest lots when their quality justifies it. It generally offers greater depth and ageing potential, while the regular Crozes-Hermitage provides a more immediately approachable expression of the Graillot style.
The 2023 is fermented with 100% whole clusters, including the stems. This technique is central to the wine's identity, enhancing Syrah's floral and spicy character while contributing freshness and structure. In its youth, it can also produce distinctive savoury, herbal and peppery nuances.
Yes, although aeration is beneficial. James Suckling considers the wine suitable for drinking or holding, while Wine Spectator suggests drinking through 2030. Approximately 2026-2032 is a sensible window for enjoying the balance between youthful fruit and developing complexity.
Yes, some aeration is useful while the wine is young. We recommend 30 minutes to one hour in a decanter, particularly if the bottle initially seems closed or slightly reductive. The fruit, violet and spice should then become considerably more expressive.
No. The wine is matured in seasoned barrels, generally between one and three wines old. Their purpose is to refine texture and tannins rather than introduce obvious vanilla, toast or new-oak flavours. Syrah's fruit and spice remain at the forefront.
Since the domaine was founded in 1985, Alain Graillot has played an important role in demonstrating the potential of Crozes-Hermitage's alluvial terroirs. The combination of whole-cluster fermentation, measured extraction, restrained oak and a consistent emphasis on freshness has created one of the appellation's most recognisable styles.
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2023
Available in
- Bottle (75cl)
- 29.90€ / bottle