Alain Graillot Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2023 750ml

A fragrant nose of spiced cherries, ripe blackberries, dried herbs, baking spices and hints of earth follow through to a medium body with finely grained tannins. It has precision with a slight bitterness on the mid-palate. Layered and funnelled with a mineral edge. Long savory and spicy finish. Best after 2026. (James Suckling)

A structured, layered and well-composed Crozes-Hermitage with aromas of spiced berries, warm herbs, baking spices and hints of undergrowth and bark. It's medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Dense and textured with a solid frame shaping the palate. Flavorful, peppery and long. Drink from 2027.

Sultry and smoldering, with incense and an attractive cherry and blackberry core. Powerful and densely packed on the smooth palate, with softening tannins still guiding the long, salty, iron-infused finish, which stands firm. Polished and well-crafted, with impressive texture. Drink now through 2032. 500 cases made, 100 cases imported. (Kristen Bieler)

The 2023 Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude shows well, opening with pronounced spice box, dried violets, forest strawberry and ripe black cherry. Medium-bodied and concentrated, the 2023 shows outstanding overall balance, bringing the palate to rest with well-etched tension and gentle tannic structure.