E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2019

Dark violet color. Pungent cherry and blackberry on the fragrant nose, along with hints of black pepper, olive and baking spices. Appealingly sweet and pliant in texture, offering energetic red and dark berry, star anise and candied violet flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Smooth tannins frame a long, spicy finish that strongly echoes the dark berry note. Drinking window: 2025-2033. Score – 92. (Josh Raynolds, vinous.com, Dec. 2022)