TN : Crozes-Hermitage 2005, E. Guigal, Rhone, France

This wine is supposed to be ready for drinking, though can be aged for ten years, according to the E. Guigal website but I would give it another couple of years for the tannins to soften up and maybe the fruit to show through; hopefully the fruit will not fade away.



This wine includes the former vineyards of de Vallouit Estate from Larnage. The vineyards are mainly on steep slopes from the villages of Gervans, Mercurol, Larnage and Crozes-Hermitage. the soil is limestone, clay and silt and also sandy gravel. The average age of the vines is 35 years. the average yield was 40 hectolitres per hectare.

The wine is 100% Syrah. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out in stainless steel vats at high temperatures followed by 3 weeks maceration in the vats. The wine was then matured for 18 months in oak barrels. On average, 330,00o bottles are produced annually.

The Guigal domain was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal in the ancient village of Ampuis. Etienne Guigal arrived in this region in 1923 at the age of 14. He made wine over 67 vintages. Marcel Guigal took over from his father in 1961. Today, Philippe Guigal, oenologist, is the third generation to continue the family endeavour.

Colour : Blackcurrant

Aroma : Strawberry, spice, oak, blackcurrant, plum

Taste : Black pepper, oak, drying tannins on finish, red fruits, thin

Alcohol : 12.5%

Price : 154 SEK

Mark : C

Website : E. Guigal