2011 Equis (Maxime Graillot) 'Equinoxe' Crozes-Hermitage Northern Rhone

Crozes-Hermitage is the Northern Rhone's largest appellation, both in terms of acreage and in terms of production. It produces mostly red from Syrah and a little white from Marsanne and Roussanne. The wines are also often less expensive and better for early drinking than other Northern Rhone wines. 'Equinoxe' is 100% syrah. The cuvaison is 10-12 days, just enough to showcase the wine's brilliant fruit, in addition to enhancing the structure. It is aged for 6 months 50% in stainless steel tanks and 50% in 6 year old barrels.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The charming, seductive, already bottled 2011 Crozes-Hermitage Equinoxe is produced for immediate drinkability. Aged in equal parts old barrels and cement tanks, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with sweet, sexy notes of kirsch, strawberries and black olives. With attractive fruitiness, purity and a lush, heady style, it can be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years.

The son of Alain Graillot, Maxime Graillot has his own operation with Crozes-Hermitage representing the bulk of his 2,500-case production. The contrast between the 2010 and 2011 St.-Joseph Equis is interesting. The 2011 vintage in St.-Joseph appears to be as good as, perhaps even better than, the 2010."