Maxime Graillot is the son of famed Crozes-Hermitage pioneer Alain Graillot. Maxime has been producing Crozes-Hermitage since 2004. Compared to Alain’s wines, Maxime’s are similarly exuberant and expressive, yet perhaps with a bit more size and fruit power to them. Unlike his father, Maxime Graillot choses to de-stems nearly all of his grapes.
On the basis of the first couple of vintages – produced in admittedly small quantities – the Domaine des Lises Crozes shares the purity, spiciness and crunchy fruit character of his father’s wines, but with a slightly fuller and more opulent mouthfeel. They are immediate winners.
92pts Vinous– 2018 vintage
Opaque ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented dark berries and a hint of licorice on the lively nose. Subtly sweet blackberry and cherry flavors show very good clarity and energy and pick up a suave floral quality with aeration.
Displays fine definition and strong, spicy lift on the persistent, gently tannic finish, which leaves lingering cherry and exotic spice notes behind. 30% whole clusters.
92pts Wine Spectator – 2018 vintage
Lush and inviting, with crushed plum and boysenberry purée flavors gliding atop a polished structure. Pretty finish lets the fruit take the lead, while light anise and apple wood notes chime in the background. Drink now through 2026. 2,400 cases made, 500 cases imported. (Feb 28, 2021)
