Guigal, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France) 2011

($24, Vintus): Crozes-Hermitage, an appellation on flatter ground surrounding the prestigious and sloped Hermitage appellation, is a sleeper site for attractively priced Syrah-based Rhône wines.  In distinction to its more famous neighbor, wines from Crozes, as they’re sometimes known, need less aging and are far less expensive, but can provide enormous value, especially when produced by a top firm, such as Guigal.  Guigal’s 2011 is a picture perfect example of Crozes-Hermitage, delivering an enlivening combination of minerality and black peppery notes.  Not overwrought — its stated alcohol is only 13 percent — it’s a sophisticated wine that would be a fine choice to accompany at steak on the grill this summer.
91 Michael Apstein May 5, 2015