E. Guigal

Crozes-Hermitage 2020

Crozes-Hermitage

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Crozes-Hermitage brings you into the Northern Rhône Valley, where the red wines have a profile unlike anywhere else in the world, an irresistible combination of warm flavors of red and black fruit, exotic spice notes, and certainly in the case of Crozes, with pleasure and approachability in youth.

It’s important to note that most of Crozes-Hermitage is produced from the plains to the south and east of Hermitage, and these wines tend to be straightforward. Guigal’s approach is to make a more serious Crozes that also has vigor, intensity and depth. In Guigal’s hands, Crozes becomes a wine that delivers quality and pleasure far beyond its price.

Vineyard

Guigal first produced a Crozes-Hermitage in 1999 after the acquisition of low-yielding, hillside vineyards. Since then they have continued to purchase similar quality vineyards, exclusively on hillsides, on soils that tend to limestone, clay silt and sandy gravel, with vine age averaging 35 years. The vineyards are grouped in the north of the appellation, specifically around the villages of Gervans, Mercurol, Larnage and Crozes-Hermitage itself.

Winemaking

This 100% Syrah was fermented in stainless steel tanks and was then aged for 18 months in 228 liter barrels exclusively produced at Guigal’s Chateau d’Ampuis cooperage.

Vintage

2020 was another drought year in the Northern Rhône, with a warmer than average winter and early budbreak, and despite some rain during this time, the rainfall total for the North was the lowest in 30 or more years. The heat continued through the summer, but without the spikes seen in 2019, and the maturation and development of the crop was even, if rather early. The wines are fresh, full of fruit, and intensey aromatic. The 2020 is a perfect expression N. Rhone Syrah grown on granite soils.

Tasting Note

Aromas of smoke, plums and spice burst from the glass, and the palate is rich and dense – packed with fruit which covers the wine’s substantial structure. Thoroughly appealing now, the wine will easily last for a decade or more – and impressive and promising introduction to this great Rhône vintage.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Syrah

Appellation

Crozes-Hermitage

Alcohol

13.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$35

Reviews

"Blackberry fruit, smoke and pepper"

James Suckling - May 25, 2023 "An extremely typical example of this appellation with stacks of fresh blackberry fruit, plus delicate notes of smoke and pepper. Zesty interplay of bright fruit and crisp tannins on the medium-bodied palate. From the northern part of the appellation. " -S.P 5/23

"Sweet spices, tarragon and singed cedar"

Wine Spectator - September 22, 2023 "A generous, alluring red, with red currant and cassis amped up withA generous, alluring red, with red currant and cassis amped up with sweet spices, tarragon and singed cedar. Reveals cured salumi notes that add earthy, animal richness to the dense palate, firmed up by savory acidity and slightly chewy tannins. Offers a spine of iron that reins in the lushness.  Reveals cured salumi notes that add earthy, animal richness to the dense palate, firmed up by savory acidity and slightly chewy tannins. Offers a spine of iron that reins in the lushness. " -K.B 9/23

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Trade Materials

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Other Wines by this Producer

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