Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage Rouge 2004

For anyone out there that loves excellent Syrah, look no further! This is in a league of its own. Out of all the producers that we exclusively import, Alain Graillot has to be one of the greatest innovators not just in the Cotes du Rhone but also in all of France, he is almost entirely responsible for revolutionising Crozes Hermitage as an appellation. The wine is made from 100% Syrah from very low yielding vines averaging 30 years old. The viticulture is quite rustic and artisan therefore allowing the wine to express its true terroir characteristics. On appearance it has a very deep almost black with hints of ruby colour with an array of dry herbs, black olive and roasted red pepper. On the palate it is incredibly big and juicy almost chunky with notes of tarragon and tapenade. The finish is persistent and long emphasizing cracked black pepper corns with hints of leather yet remaining clean with great purity. Drinking at its best between 2007-2011.