The luxury cuvee of 2005 Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude is a selection of the finest barrels. While there are around 7,000 cases of the regular cuvee, there are generally only 1,000 cases of La Guiraude. The 2005 exhibits classic notes of tapenade, creme de cassis, tar, flowers, pepper, and licorice. Full-bodied and pure with moderately high tannins as well as a subtle hint of oak, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15 years.Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897

Graillot’s 2005 Crozes Hermitage La Guiraude (100% Syrah aged 12 months in older barrels) offers classic Syrah notes of olive tapenade, smoke, licorice and meaty dark fruits on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling, nicely textured and ready to go, it has the freshness and purity to keep for another 5-7 years.