2016 Alain Graillot, Crozes-Hermitage

Domaine Alain Graillot is a benchmark producer based in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, founded in 1985 by Alain Graillot who implemented organic farming and whole-cluster fermentation techniques. The wine is made from 100% Syrah grown on the flat, alluvial plains of the Chassis plateau, where 30-year-old vines thrive in well-draining soil composed of sand, gravel, and stones. In the glass, it displays distinct notes of dark blackberry, cracked black pepper, and wet earth, anchored by a firm, structured, and medium-bodied texture. The 2015 vintage provided a warm, ideal growing season that resulted in a ripe fruit profile balanced by the producer's signature savoury complexity. This is a grounded, expressive wine that is ready to enjoy now but possesses the structure to remain impressive in the cellar for years to come.