One of the most sought-after Syrahs on the planet is back in our cellars. This comes from none other than the king of Crozes and Northern Rhône giant, Domaine Alain Graillot.
Graillot’s Syrahs have inspired countless winemakers, including our local heroes from the Swartland. The 2023 Crozes-Hermitage is superb and comes out swinging. Violets, black cherries, clove spice, white pepper and garrigue immediately transport you (think France’s answer to fynbos, with a mix of rosemary, lavender, thyme and sage). Medium-bodied and elegant with refined tannins and a ‘long, succulent and vivid finish’ (James Suckling), this is the Syrah to buy right now.
2023 was a promising year for Crozes-Hermitage. It was ‘more successful than the 2021s, more consistent than the 2022s’ (Decanter) and a standout year for Alain Graillot. ‘If I could repeat 2023 for the rest of my life, I’d be very happy – both in terms of quantity and quality,’ says Maxime Graillot, the second generation at the helm of the estate.
The late Alain Graillot was a humble visionary, putting the Crozes-Hermitage appellation on the map. After working for legendary Domaine Dujac amongst others, Alain returned to Crozes in 1985 to start his own domaine. Alain’s sons, Maxime and Antoine, took over from their father in 2008, continuing the traditions that created these haunting Syrahs. The stony vineyards are still farmed organically, and hand harvesting, whole-bunch fermentation and ageing in one to three-year-old Burgundian barrels remain the order of the day.
A cult Syrah from a 40-year-old domaine, who inspired generations of winemakers, for less than R1 000? Fill your boots.
Tasting Notes:
Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2023
‘A driven, balanced , flavorful, textural and lively Crozes-Hermitage, showing aromas of dark cherries, spiced plums, wild herbs and warm spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Superb texture and balance here with a long, succulent and vivid finish. Drink or hold.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 94/100
