2015 Alain Graillot, Saint-Joseph

Alain Graillot approaches his Saint-Joseph with a traditionalist’s intent, utilizing 100% whole-cluster fermentation and aging in neutral Burgundy barrels to prioritize structural integrity. The fruit is sourced from distinct parcels on the steep granitic slopes of St-Jean-de-Muzols and Andance, sites that dictate a focused, mineral-driven profile through the lens of metamorphic bedrock. The solar 2015 vintage yielded exceptional phenolic concentration and mid-palate density, yet the granite soils and cool late-summer nights preserved the acid retention necessary for verticality. This resulting structure is defined by fine-grained, assertive tannins and a persistent saline tension that underscores the wine's architectural depth. It is a Syrah of significant nerve and grip, built for development over a decade in the cellar.