Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2023

Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude is a barrel selection made only in years the family judges capable of long ageing.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation of the northern Rhône, and Alain Graillot's arrival in the 1980s did much to raise expectations of what it could do. The domaine is based at Pont-de-l'Isère, and the wines are made from Syrah with whole bunches, fermented without excessive extraction and raised in used oak. La Guiraude is the tête de cuvée: rather than coming from a separate vineyard, it is a selection of the best barrels from the same harvest, given a longer élevage in both barrel and bottle before release. The family is careful to say that it is not necessarily a better wine than the estate's classic Crozes, but a more powerful and spicier one that asks for more cellar time.

There is depth and fine tannin here, and it will improve for a decade or more; serve with roast lamb, beef or peppered venison at 16-18°C.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.