WTN: 2 mature N.Rhônes; Graillot and Vallet

Saint Joseph 2001 – Domaine Vallet – Alc.12.5% showed the trademark sour cherry of Northern Rhône Syrah allied to hints of metal and mineral on a quite round medium weight body with lively acidity and sound tannic structure; an enjoyable, if unexciting, bottle; 15/20+.

Crozes-Hermitage 1998 – Alain Graillot – Alc.12.5% added greater purity, focus, brightness, elegance and length together with crisper mouth-watering acidity to the same recipe; brilliant with Burgundian elegance and still youthful; 16.5/20++.
This Crozes showed up the next day’s Burgundies Santenay La Comme 2001 from Maltroye and Givry Petit Marole 1999 from F. Lumpp, good though they were, as TNs I have posted some months ago bear witness.

Thanks for notes. Graillot is amazingly consistent.

If I ever find a Graillot wine here in AB, in-house probation officer had better be out of town!

My too, I love Graillot's stuff! However, last three bottles I've had have been corked... (both 04 and 05)