Screwcap. Alain Graillot’s 2020 white Crozes-Hermitage is a deliciously silky yet vibrant blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented in a mix of one-year-old 600-liter demi-muids and stainless steel. The fruit comes from a 2.7-hectare plot on the deep alluvial soils of Pont-de-l’Isère, in the southern sector of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. The nature of the soils and low yields from the old vines (now reaching 40 years of age) means that Maxime compensates for the richness of fruit (in particular from the Marsanne) by arresting the malo to maintain freshness. He bottles under screwcap for the same reason.
It's a beautifully textured release with a pithy, grapefruit personality balanced by wonderfully vibrant acidity and some fine phenolic grip carrying the length of the palate. Undoubtedly one of the best examples we have seen of this wine. It’s both more textural and complex, yet somehow more punchy, racy and moreish. Great work Max!