Crozes Hermitage Alain Graillot 2017

Crozes-Hermitage is one of our favorite regions for Syrah. Dry, perfumed, and earthy, Crozes is such a beautiful rendition of the grape. Not that we dislike Syrah from other regions, but there is such purity of expression in northern Rhône. Crozes-Hermitage is also an excellent way to get glimpses of neighboring wines such as Cornas, Hermitage, and Côte Rôtie. With its exuberance, lushness, and depth, this Rhône Syrah is peerless at under $50. Incidentally, Alain Graillot is a legend whose minuscule output sells out immediately. 

Fuller medium-bodied, dry. Blueberry, cherry, and warm spices. Finishes with grainy tannin, licorice, and some smoke. Pair with duck, red meat dishes, grilled pork, venison, and eggplant.