Guigal, Crozes Hermitage (Rhone Valley, France) 2007

($24):  Not surprisingly given the appellation, Guigal’s 2007 Crozes-Hermitage is more distinctive than his Côtes du Rhone.  It conveys attractive black pepper notes and a ripe dark-fruit character reflective of the warm 2007 vintage.  It has added depth along with the hallmark Guigal classiness.  Overall, it’s a more “serious” wine.  Still, it’s not so serious that you couldn’t enjoy it with reheated beef bourguignon.
91 Michael Apstein May 1, 2012