While the late, revered Alain Graillot built his formidable reputation as the benchmark producer of Crozes-Hermitage, the family estate—now brilliantly run by his sons Maxime and Antoine—also handles a tiny parcel of older vines in Saint-Joseph. Sourced from forty-five-year-old vines planted on the steep, granitic slopes of Tournon and Saint-Désirat, this 100% Syrah is a rare and highly sought-after entry in the Graillot lineup. Staying true to the estate’s signature style, the grapes are fermented with 100% whole clusters in concrete vats before aging in neutral Burgundy barrels, a technique that coaxes out incredible aromatic complexity and rustic charm.

The 2023 vintage was a resounding success for the domaine, capitalizing on a beautifully balanced growing season that delivered ample freshness and pure fruit expression. The wine opens with a lively, expressive bouquet of wild blackberries, red currants, and dried violets, all pinned beneath classic Northern Rhône notes of fresh-cracked black pepper, licorice, and clove. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and beautifully structured, layering crunchy dark fruits with elements of crushed stone and savory herbs. A racy line of acidity cuts through the mid-palate, while fine, supportive tannins provide a focused framework that carries into a long, peppery finish. This is a wonderfully energetic, precise Saint-Joseph that offers immediate gratification today but will continue to get softer and more complex over the next seven to ten years.