Region: Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France

Varietal: 100% Syrah

Producer:Alain Graillot transformed Crozes-Hermitage in the 1980s, elevating the appellation from overlooked to revered for its Syrah. His precise, site-driven approach—marked by organic farming and whole-cluster fermentation—redefined what the region could achieve. Today, his sons Antoine and Maxime continue the vision, with La Guiraude positioned as the estate’s top-tier cuvée, assembled only in standout vintages and reflecting the epitome of the domaine’s best barrels.

Vineyard & Winemaking: Sourced from vines over 30 years old planted on well-draining sandy, gravelly terraces, “La Guiraude” benefits from Crozes-Hermitage’s hot summers and cooling mistral winds. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo whole-cluster fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. After a short maceration, the wine is matured for approximately 12 months in used French oak barrels (1–3 years old), preserving terroir expression and mineral clarity without overt oak influence.

Tasting Notes: Now four years on, the 2020 La Guiraude has gained nuance while retaining its energy. Aromas of spiced black cherry, smoked blackberry, and violet are layered with cedar, iron, and subtle incense—testament to both its depth and refinement. On the palate, the once-bold texture is now smoother: fine-grained tannins weave through savory notes of dried herbs, wild olive, and layered dark fruit. A saline-mineral undertone thickens the long, spicy finish. Still vibrant, it’s drinking beautifully now and promises another decade of graceful evolution.