Region: Croze Hermitage

Variety: Syrah 

What's in the glass: 120 bottles imported. The limited production La Guiraude is Graillot’s tête de cuvée—made only in vintages where the wines exhibit particularly intense and age worthy personalities. It’s a barrel selection, so the winemaking is the same as the classic Crozes, although the chosen casks age longer in both barrel and bottle. The Graillots are quick to point out that La Guiraude is not necessarily seen as a better wine than the Domaine’s Crozes; instead, it is typically more powerful, spicier, and perhaps calling for longer cellaring. There is serious depth and plenty of fine tannins, yet it’s already seductive, offering notable drinking pleasure and complexity right now. But of course, there is also plenty of stuffing and the tannins to ensure age-worthiness. It will be even better with another decade (or more) in the cellar.

“At the end of élevage Maxime tastes all the barrels and makes a selection for this wine. This has real density and polish with a touch of wildness, too. Black cherries and blackberries, together with good structure and some sternness. Notes of olive and meat, too. Grippy and fine, and one for ageing.” 96 points, Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak

Farming: Sustainable 

Vegan Friendly: Yes