2004 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude

[TheEngineer]

Not quite on par with the 2005's, this one opened up with a very fragrant nose. Initially very perfumey wood, crunchy red fruit, giving way with a little air opening up to bacon fat, more wood, chinese medicinal herbs and good fruit and just very solid. On the palate much the same good acidity, and perhaps a bit shorter than expected but nothing against the wine. This is well made and worked well with a beef stew.

[wondersofwine]

I love that bacon fat in wines and don't find it often enough to suit me.

[TheEngineer]

If you can find Alain Graillot, you should try it. I think he is the best of the value oriented wines in Croze Hermitage (generally under $30). '05 is a bit more dense and fruit oriented so might look for an 06 instead for that bacon fat!