Alain Graillot

Crozes-Hermitage Syrah

9.0100 ratings
9.035 pro ratings
Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
Syrah
Lamb
Top Notes For
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.4

Jesus the 13 is on fire rn. Intense purple olive and cracked black pepper.

Jesus the 13 is on fire rn. Intense purple olive and cracked black pepper.

Dec 20th, 2022
Kyle Groombridge

Hol... Lee... Crap... this wine dropped my freaking jaw. One of the most memorable wines I've had in some time - and all to do with the bouquet. It's sublime. It's haunting. It never ends. Where shall I begin? Potpourri. Chinese 5 spice. Roasted meat (for you Texans, think freshly sliced brisket from your favorite pit). Smoke. I am absolutely swoon.

The color is also dark, much darker than I would have expected given the cooler vintage. The vintage does show however on the palate with a vibrancy and verve of acidity, but that in no way deters, but rather, adds to the complexity and enjoyability of this beaut. Sour raspberries, red plum, more spice and game on the palate. Fresh, but austere. Words can't explain how much I love this wine.. and especially at only $35. A standard bearer for Crozes-Hermitage, done whole-cluster. Alain and his son Maxime are geniuses.

Hol... Lee... Crap... this wine dropped my freaking jaw. One of the most memorable wines I've had in some time - and all to do with the bouquet. It's sublime. It's haunting. It never ends. Where shall I begin? Potpourri. Chinese 5 spice. Roasted meat (for you Texans, think freshly sliced brisket from your favorite pit). Smoke. I am absolutely swoon.

The color is also dark, much darker than I would have expected given the cooler vintage. The vintage does show however on the palate with a vibrancy and verve of acidity, but that in no way deters, but rather, adds to the complexity and enjoyability of this beaut. Sour raspberries, red plum, more spice and game on the palate. Fresh, but austere. Words can't explain how much I love this wine.. and especially at only $35. A standard bearer for Crozes-Hermitage, done whole-cluster. Alain and his son Maxime are geniuses.

Jan 7th, 2018
Melissa Sorongon

Co-Owner of Piedrasassi winery, Provignage winemaking consulting company

9.2

Can pretty much guarantee my happiness with an Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage. La guiraude is so pretty!

Can pretty much guarantee my happiness with an Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage. La guiraude is so pretty!

Aug 11th, 2017
Shay A
9.1

Monthly WTF wine group meet up. This month is new world vs old world Rhône’s. All wines tasted blind. 3 flights.

I pulled this out as a bonus bottle as I wanted to compare it against the other C-H. This was significantly darker in profile. Violets, underripe blackberry, charcoal, and a streak of iron down the middle. Chewy tannins.

Monthly WTF wine group meet up. This month is new world vs old world Rhône’s. All wines tasted blind. 3 flights.

I pulled this out as a bonus bottle as I wanted to compare it against the other C-H. This was significantly darker in profile. Violets, underripe blackberry, charcoal, and a streak of iron down the middle. Chewy tannins.

1 person found it helpfulApr 10th, 2019
Lee Lightfoot

Always delicious

Always delicious

May 11th, 2016
Alicia Cypress

Still just a baby but drinking beautifully! The nose is floral and fruity but on the palate with a bit of air to lessen the tannins it turns into an earthy dirty wine with balanced acids to the tannins. Just lovely.

Still just a baby but drinking beautifully! The nose is floral and fruity but on the palate with a bit of air to lessen the tannins it turns into an earthy dirty wine with balanced acids to the tannins. Just lovely.

Jan 31st, 2016
Max Reichwage

Bright, focused Syrah from a cold year in France. Good fall wine!

Bright, focused Syrah from a cold year in France. Good fall wine!

Oct 18th, 2015
Scott Rowe

A touch of spice, slight whiff of brett, a little drying.

A touch of spice, slight whiff of brett, a little drying.

Oct 2nd, 2015
Nick Finarelli

Super tasty.

Super tasty.

Aug 25th, 2015
Mark Cartland

A standard bearer for modern Crozes-Hermitage. Baked blueberry pie, purple flowers, corn meal, tobacco leaf, and crushed rock. Spicy, witch hazel, and plenty of grip on the palate. Really delicious vintage!

A standard bearer for modern Crozes-Hermitage. Baked blueberry pie, purple flowers, corn meal, tobacco leaf, and crushed rock. Spicy, witch hazel, and plenty of grip on the palate. Really delicious vintage!

Aug 19th, 2015