Tasting notes
Alain Graillot, Crozes-Hermitage 2018
Inky ruby. Mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries and candied violet show outstanding clarity and lift. At once rich and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that slowly turn sweeter on the back half. Shows outstanding clarity on the long, penetrating finish, which features well-judged tannins and lingering floral and spice notes. 2023 - 3031. – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100
Maxime Graillot was confident that he will bottle a La Guiraude from 2018, but the selection hadn't yet been made at the time of my visit. This barrel of 2018 Crozes Hermitage shows superb aromatics, with hints of black tea accenting cassis and blueberry fruit. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it reveals some chocolaty notes yet remains remarkably fresh on the finish. 2020 - 2030. – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, 91-93/100
Alluring, with alder, juniper and bay leaf aromas already pulling you in before the crushed cherry and plum fruit shows itself. An iron note curls around the finish, pulling everything together and bringing you back for more. Drink now through 2028. – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100
Domaine des Lises, Crozes-Hermitage 2017
Inky ruby. Pungent black and blue fruits, licorice and succulent herbs on the spice-accented nose. Shows good depth and breadth on the palate, offering ripe cassis and cherry flavors that take on smoky bacon and violet pastille qualities as the wine opens up. Shows surprising energy for its heft and finishes impressively long and spicy, with dusty tannins adding firming grip. 2022 - 2029. – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 92/100
More classically built than the 2018, the 2017 Crozes Hermitage features a mélange of cranberries, cherries and raspberries. It's full-bodied, silky and peppery, with a firm but ripe base of tannins and a long, savory finish. Domaine des Lises is the private estate of Maxime Graillot, who also manages his family's domaine, Alain Graillot. It's a fine source for Crozes-Hermitage, both red and white. 2019 - 2026. – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, 91/100
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