Alain Graillot's wines are the long-standing benchmark of Crozes. Catch a Graillot with age and the importance of the wine comes into clear focus.

In general, Crozes is thought to be a simple, and sadly often underachieving, quaffer. In Graillot's hands, Crozes assumes haunting aromatic complexity and ageworthy breeding.

2010 was a magical vintage for the Northern Rhône - there's a balance, a clarity and a finesse to the wines. It has all the markings of a historic vintage.

Graillot's 2010 Crozes is ravishingly pure with depth and energy. In short, it's the total package. There's a very precise nose of spice, game and dark fruits. The freshness and pristine expressiveness translates to the palate with jet black minerality and notes of herbs and olives.

It's a Friday, so I'll wrap this up. The 2010 Northern Rhônes are simply stunning and have mostly disappeared from the market. This is an opportunity that is difficult to see knocking again any time soon.

To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits