ALAIN GRAILLOT CROZES-HERMITAGE LA GUIRAUDE 2023

La Guiraude is Graillot's barrel selection—produced only in exceptional years from the same practicing organic, 30-plus-year-old Syrah vines in Les Chênes Verts that supply the estate Crozes-Hermitage. Hand-harvested, fermented 100% whole cluster on ambient yeasts in cement, and aged in one-to-three-year-old barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered, it represents the finest casks of each qualifying vintage. The 2023 scores 95 points (James Suckling): spiced berries, warm herbs, baking spices, and undergrowth with dense, textured, peppery depth, firm tannins, and a long, structured finish. Drink from 2027.