One of the newest values from Guigal (its debut was the 1999 vintage) is Crozes-Hermitage. This offering is aged in used barrels. The 1999 Crozes-Hermitage is a spicy, herbal, currant, and cherry-scented wine with medium body, no hard edges, refreshing acidity, and a hint of pepper. Guigal now owns 27 acres of hillside Crozes-Hermitage vineyards in Larnage, Gervais, and Mercurol, in addition to a tiny parcel on the plains of Chassis. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

One of the newest values from Guigal (its debut was the 1999 vintage) is Crozes-Hermitage. This offering is aged in used barrels. The 1999 Crozes-Hermitage is a spicy, herbal, currant, and cherry-scented wine with medium body, no hard edges, refreshing acidity, and a hint of pepper. Guigal now owns 27 acres of hillside Crozes-Hermitage vineyards in Larnage, Gervais, and Mercurol, in addition to a tiny parcel on the plains of Chassis.Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Surprisingly, considering the importance of Guigal in the region, this is the first time the producer has made a Crozes-Hermitage. But they have certainly started with a fine bang, with this finely perfumed wine, bringing together ripe fruit, acidity and sweet, jelly flavors. There are even tannins to give it structure and concentration. ——R.V.(6/1/2002)—— 89