2009 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

Deep ruby. Black raspberry and cherry on the nose and palate, with fresh violet and anise qualities adding vivacity. Juicy and precise but nicely concentrated too, with a seamless texture and very good thrust. Finishes sweet, spicy and long, with resonating florality and lingering spice notes.

He hit home runs in 2009, with a deep ruby/purple-colored 2009 Crozes-Hermitage that exhibits lots of cassis and black cherry fruit, good acidity for a 2009, medium body and a spicy, heady finish displaying hints of licorice, herbs and red and black fruits. Importer: Europvin, www.europvin.com

Vivid ruby. Assertive aromas of dark berries, cola and licorice, with a hint of dark chocolate in the background. Smoky, ripe dark fruit flavors provide good palate coverage and show gentle spiciness. Suggestions of smoked meat and black olive come up with air. Rich but also energetic, with good finishing thrust and persistent smokiness.