WTN: 2009 Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

[David M. Bueker]

2009 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage (5/1/2016)
In the search for the next big thing, solid wines like this often get overlooked. It's not flashy, but it is textbook Syrah. If I want someone to know what Syrah tastes like this is a perfect wine for them to drink. The fruit is dark. There are ample herbal and tar accents, and a finishing hit of roasted meat. Add to that the price of $30, and it's a mystery why I don't drink more of this.

It is funny how some wines get lost in the shuffle for reasons unrelated to quality. I used to drink Graillot more often, but not much recently.

I guess that's why advertisers and marketers justify their jobs!

I'm a fan of Alain Graillot. His Crozes-Hermitage is far superior to the norm for the appellation with a quasi-Burgundian elegance and an ability to age gracefully at least 15 years in some vintages. His Guiraude cuvée has extra depth and structure and rivals much Hermitage. A recent '99 was superb. The main snag is that prices are creeping upwards; about €21 for the basic and €33 for Guiraude.

His Guiraude cuvée has extra depth and structure and rivals much Hermitage. A recent '99 was superb. The main snag is that prices are creeping upwards; about €21 for the basic and €33 for Guiraude.

You're inspiring me to try them out again, although rivaling Hermitage sounds like a bit much.

Especially given those prices! (Because €33 Hermitage would not be a snag at all)

[David M. Bueker]

When I started trying Graillot (1996) the price was $21.99. This 2009 was $29.99. I looked on-line, and current vintages are $30-$32 at numerous shops. Given what has happened to wine prices across the board, I do not see that as an issue.

I've had a Guiraude and a regular cuvée from 99 and 01 in the last couple of years -- can't remember which was which, but both were knock-your-socks-off bottles (and the regular cuvée was not lacking in depth or complexity). I agree completely with David's description: if you wanted to show someone what Syrah was like, and what it can do, it's a great option, and a terrific value.

Graillot fan, but not bought much in last few years.
CT says I have some early aughts I need to dig out