WTN: A lot better than baby aspirin

Alain Graillot 2000 St.-Joseph, $22
Wow is this good. It has a wonderful mix of purple fruits (sorry, I know there’s no such thing but there’s something about good Syrah that makes me think purple), flowers, herbs, spices and earth on the nose and palate. Smooth, seamless, vibrant, balanced, structured, and drinking beautifully. Excellent match with roast chicken with preserved lemons and olives. Two days later, it’s just as good, spicy, delineated, complex, and balanced. Importer: Europvin.

You can rely on Alain Graillot to make a good Saint-Joseph. I don't think that I have ever tried it, though; an omission to be repaired.

I've had several of his Crozes and thought they lived up to his reputation. This was my first St.-Joe from Graillot and based on this, I won't hesitate to buy future bottles if the price is reasonable.

I must say that Graillot's 2007 St. Joseph is a lovely young red. It really has everything I like in a young red: seductive fruit that drinks as though it was 100% oak free.