($26, Ex Cellars Wine Agency): Over the years, Guigal, one of the Rhone’s best producers, has expanded his portfolio by selective purchases of competitors’ vineyards.  He now produces a marvelous Crozes-Hermitage at about only twice the price of his basic, good-value Cotes du Rhone, which makes it another excellent buy.  It shows the peppery, rather than the plumy, side of the Syrah grape.  Long, suave and beautifully balanced, it has uncommon elegance for this appellation.   Unlike Guigal’s Hermitage, the 2004 Crozes is ready now. 91 Michael Apstein Oct 23, 2007