Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley and more….
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 13 May 2024
Rhône
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Domaine Alain Graillot is a top wine producer located in Crozes-Hermitage in the northern Rhône, becoming a benchmark for the appellation and a Syrah icon! Alain founded the Domaine in 1985, releasing his first vintage from a rented vineyard. The Domaine quickly rose to prominence and only three years after its establishment, Graillot purchased the vineyards he had been renting. The Domaine was handed over to son Maxine, but the wines continue in the same style and quality. Classically styled and able to age well for many decades, Alain sadly passed in 2022.
Crozes-Hermitage is one of the largest and most prestigious appellations in the Northern Rhône Valley, known for producing excellent Syrah wines. The vineyards are located on the left bank of the Rhône River, with a variety of soils, including granite, limestone, and clay, contributing to the diversity of the wines produced in the region.
Critics Ratings
2012 - 'Inky ruby. Pungent, deeply scented aromas of black raspberry, cassis, black pepper and violet. Fruity, supple and sweet, with energetic red and dark berry flavors and a suggestion of candied licorice. Finishes with gentle grip and spicy thrust, the violet note echoing.’ - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 91/100 (March 2014)
‘I had no such issues with the 2012 Crozes Hermitage and it has a classic feel in its beautiful dark fruit, ground pepper and damp earth-driven bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, supple, elegant and beautifully balanced, drink it over the coming 7-8 years.’ - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 90/100
‘A ripe style, with fleshy blackberry and plum coulis flavors lined with black licorice and sweet spice hints. An iron twinge keeps this honest through the finish. Drink now through 2016.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 90/100
‘Vibrant and so youthful I think I detect a bit of sulphur on the palate. Steady, simple fruit. Dry finish. Doesn’t over-deliver.’ - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 15/20 (Oct 2013)
2013 - ‘Dark cherry red. Pure peppery Syrah nose. Really zesty and energetic. Gorgeously dark and dry on the palate, with coal-like darkness and a firm, masculine grip, needing time to become more expressive on the palate. Embryonically delicious. Great persistence.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Sep 2015)
'(made with 100% whole clusters): Bright purple. Energetic black raspberry, cherry, Asian spices and olive paste on the seductively perfumed nose. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering juicy red and dark berry liqueur flavors and a suave note of candied violet. Picks up spiciness and smokiness with air and finishes on a sweet dark berry note, with good nervy cut and floral persistence. Maxime Graillot told me that this wine is made from a site in Chassis that was planted 45 years ago and has never been treated with any chemicals.’ - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 91/100 (Dec 2014)
‘The 2013 Crozes Hermitage is a sensational effort that offers tons of meaty, smoky, olive, bay leaf and currant-like aromas and flavors in a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, mouth-filling style. Not destemmed and aged 12 months in used barrels, drink this inky colored, seriously impressive Syrah anytime over the coming decade.’ - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 90/100
‘Ripe and direct, with polished edges to the core of raspberry and blackberry fruit, lined with subtle anise and fruitcake notes. Exhibiting modest stuffing and grip, this is a crowd-pleaser, but could flesh out a touch more with cellaring.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator