“Domaine Alain Graillot’s Crozes-Hermitage has long been a benchmark wine for the region. Thanks to worldwide distribution, starting in the mid- to late-1980s, it was, for many wine lovers, an introduction to the wines of the Northern Rhône and Syrah in general... Happily, his sons, Maxime and Antoine, who have been at the domaine’s helm since 2008, have not missed a beat regarding maintaining quality and the estate’s reputation.” Josh Raynolds, VinousThose words from the late Josh Raynolds serve as a fitting introduction for those unfamiliar with this great estate. It is the highest-rated domaine in Crozes, with two stars against its name in France’s leading wine guide, La Revue du Vin de France’s Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France. This reaffirms the brilliant work done by Maxime before and after Alain’s passing in 2022. With vines aged between 40 and 50 years on average, the Graillot terroirs are firing on all cylinders. Organically managed, gnarled and meticulously manicured vines reach up from a sea of smooth, rolled stones like the hands of an old vigneron. They are rooted on the Terrasse des Chassis in Pont-de-l’Isère, where the ‘soil’ was formed by ancient alluvial deposits of sand, gravel and river stones.Today, we offer the truly excellent 2021 Crozes-Hermitage (including a limited number of magnums). Such hyperbole may sound surprising if you consider that the Estate Crozes this year comes from the tiny, challenging 2021 vintage. Like much of France that year, the northern Rhône faced late spring frosts, mildew pressure and raging storms throughout the growing season and harvest. Yet despite these challenges, Maxime Graillot has knocked it out of the park by crafting a beautiful, cool-fruited and finely etched Syrah from 2021, with pretty red fruits, moderate alcohol and juicy, refreshing acidity. It’s the kind of wine that might remind you of the finest northern Rhônes of yesteryear: fresh, juicy, savoury, and so, so delicious. It also calls to mind something Alain Graillot used to say: “The vintage changes, but the spirit remains the same.” In sum, this great release allows us to reiterate what we suggested last year: Maxime Graillot is currently crafting the finest wines of his career and, in our not-so-humble opinion, the finest wines ever, chez Domaine Alain Graillot.