Exclusive: 2020 Clos Somi Cotes du Rhone

Exclusive: 2020 Clos Somi Cotes du Rhone
When one of the most famous and highly sought-after Northern Rhône estates decides to release a brand new wine, one takes note. Despite the legendary name and the domaine's historic reputation for making one of the greatest Syrahs on earth from their vineyards in Crozes-Hermitage, I tried to remain critical when first tasting today's wine. I tasted with no bias or pre-conceived notions, but as I suspected, the wine was flawless and impressive. Demonstrating exactly why Domaine Alain Graillot has been at the top of the list in the Northern Rhône (and all of France for that matter) over nearly four decades.

This Côtes du Rhône, hailing from the Ardêche region, is sourced from a tiny plot recently purchased by the family primarily for its olive grove. Planted to equal parts Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, the wine delivers Northern Rhône's classic mix of dark fruits, spice and floral aromas in a scintillatingly fresh and bright package.

This is only the second vintage of this wine and I suggest you get on board today. Quality at this price is almost non-existent in today's market and that cost will surely rise as this wine's reputation grows. A fantastic opportunity to taste one of France's top domaines.      

I am proud to offer the ONLY bottles of 2020 Domaine Alain Graillot 'Clos Somi' Côtes du Rhône in South Carolina!   
2020 Domaine Alain Graillot 'Clos Somi' Côtes du Rhône - $34.99
 
*Special Newsletter Price - $32.99

*Special 3-PACK Price - $29.99/btl
 
To order, reply directly to this email or call me at 843.576.4845
Certain domaines are synonymous with their appellation. In Crozes-Hermitage, Domaine Alain Graillot is the standard bearer. Even as far back as his first vintage in 1985, the wines have been turning heads despite the appellation's location in the shadow of Hermitage.

The estate makes spellbinding Syrah, with a small percentage of white wine, and a tiny amount of both Saint Joseph and Hermitage. The work in the vines is meticulous and everything done traditionally: whole-cluster ferments and no new oak.

Sadly, Alain passed away earlier this year from a stroke, but the historic estate is now in the very capable hands of his son Maxime, who has been at the helm since 2008.    
A 1.2 hectare plot planted to equal parts Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault on granite soils. The grapes are hand-harvested and whole bunch fermented using native yeasts in concrete vats. The wine is then transferred to 1500L, used French oak barrels for 9 months before bottled, un-fined, unfiltered and with no additional sulfur. 

A bright and lifted nose, despite the wine's dark, almost sappy concentration. Aromas of red plum, cherry, blackberry, violet, cracked pepper and touch of black olive. The palate's vibrancy grabs you straight away with pure, dark fruits and spice wrapped around a dense core of granitic minerals and snappy acidity. Refined, sophisticated AND just so much fun to drink...Graillot for a song.          
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