2015 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

Brilliant violet. Perfumed dark berry, violet and olive aromas are complemented by licorice and smoky mineral flourishes. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering pliant black raspberry and cherry flavors and a suave violet nuance. Silky tannins build steadily on a very long, penetrating finish that strongly echoes the floral and mineral notes.

The base 2015 Crozes-Hermitage is one old-school beauty that just screams northern Rhône Syrah on the nose. Pepper, game, olive tapenade and ample dark fruits give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, tannic 2015 that's nicely balanced, pure and clean. It's a classic Syrah that will improve for a year or two and keep for a decade. In addition to the Alain Graillot wines, Maxime Graillot also makes the wines of Equis and Domaine des Lises. The Alain Graillot releases are unquestionably the most traditional in style. These are old-school, classic wines well worth your time and money.

Clean, plummy and vibrant, the 2015 Crozes Hermitage is medium-bodied and crisp, with bright fruit flavors, touches of pomegranate, and a fine, velvety mouthfeel. It should drink well for at least a decade.