Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2020 Magnum

At this young stage, it's a Syrah of super-charged aromatic intensity, with dark berries, purple florals and warm spices mingling with the vineyard's soil-to-glass ferrous and mineral tones. The palate, suave and long, builds in the mouth with a similar intensity of black olive, smoky charcuterie and graphite mineral tang, carried by seamless texture and a charge of energy and flavour at the finish. It will only get better and better with some age, but right now it's already a flat-out charming and delicious Graillot thoroughbred.

"Blackberry with a note of violet on the nose, spongy fruit that is welcoming, gently sweet. The palate gets off to a clear-fruited start, flows easily, has an airborne feel, tinkle in the fruit. It's based on purity, levity, drinkability." John Livingstone-Learmonth, DrinkRhone.com

"The Crozes-Hermitage remain the benchmark for the appellation... The 2020 in Crozes shines with its balance and the beautiful burst of fruit, all in smoothness and indulgence, but with a lot of background. If it is difficult to resist it, it is perfectly capable of waiting a few years in the cellar. An admirable classic." 93 points, La Revue du Vins de France

Country: France
Region: Rhone Valley
Sub Region: Crozes-Hermitage