2009 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

Crozes Hermitage is an AOC appelation in the Northern Rhone wine region of France, and it is the largest appelation in the Northern Rhone. back in the days it had a very questionable reputation due to the fact that they produced large quantities of bulk wine, but in recent years new winemakers to the appelation has brought quality focus to the region.

Syrah is the only red grape allowed in the wines from Crozes Hermitage, but up to 15% of the wine can be the white grapes Marsanne and Rousanne.

Alain Graillot founded the domaine in 1985. Today he owns 50 acres of vineyeards in Crozes Hermitage, consisting of 30 year old vines. He also has 2 small parcels in St. Joseph. From the grapes in Crozes Hermitage he makes 1 or 2 wines. The basic Crozes Hermitage is produced every year. In good vintages he also produces a small quantity of La Guiraude.

Tasting note on the 2009 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

Once again I popped and poured this wine, not giving it much time to breathe. As a consequence, and do to the fact that the wine was a bit cold, the nose gave away little. On the palate though, I got pepper, blueberries and blackberries. The palate is very primary. A typical Syrah palate.the fruit is ripe, but contained. The finnish has a good attack of spices and smal red, sour berries. The tannins are dry and a bit stilky. 88 points

I would wait 2-3 years for optimal drinking. It is approachable now, but the tannins aren't totally integrated yet. The wine is powerfull and lack some finesse, but is it to some extent balanced.