Screwcap. With the inclusion of the a new fruit source - from an organic site that has not seen any herbicide or pesticide for 10 years - and more old wood in the elevage, Maxime has managed to make a wonderful wine even more delicious. Judging from the oohs and aahs at our recent trade days, many of our customers seem to agree. The Syrah fruit that goes into Equinoxe is all hand harvested and treated with the same kind of TLC that goes onto all the wines made under the Graillot roof. Maxine told us that he felt the 'fruit-forward' 2011 vintage was an excellent fit for the style of wine he aims for under this label: an exuberant wine made for carefree drinking when young. Indeed, this lively, agile, tangy, young Syrah oozes ripe, succulent peppery fruit from every pore. Vibrant, smile-inducing Syrah.
"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." 88 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #204