($22, Ex Cellars Wine Agency):  Guigal, perhaps the Rhône’s best producer overall, made his reputation with his stellar wines from Côte Rôtie.  But since he purchased two estates that gave him vineyards in Crozes-Hermitage, the less steeply sloped land adjacent to Hermitage, he has been making wonderful wines from there as well.  As with red Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage uses the Syrah grape, but the wines are typically far less structured and approachable earlier.  In that vein, Guigal’s 2006 Crozes-Hermitage delivers lovely peppery notes that complement the bright raspberry-like and plum nuances.  Mild tannins and bright acidity lend structure without being aggressive. It’s a classy wine that’s lovely to drink now and a fabulous wine for the price. 91 Michael Apstein Mar 16, 2010