2003 Guigal - Crozes-Hermitage Syrah - France - Northern Rhone - Crozes Hermitage - Red

Dense and chewy, showing dark fruit, anise and barely a hint of black tea on the finish. Tannins are fully integrated and the acidity is balanced. A perfect partner to grilled lamb seasoned with garlic and Provencale herbs. Does not drink like a "mini-Hermitage," but the high quality is there.

Medium-bodied. Core of dark berry fruit with flavors of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, cigar box and earth. Slight spiciness on the lingering finish. More of a subtle, restrained style with nice complexity and balance.

Tasted better with time, especially the next day.

Nicely balanced, medium bodied wine with raspberry, cherry and wet stone on the nose. A bit of spices on the palate. Not much of a finish. Liked it for the price.

Ripe and concentrated, this shows plum, currant and cherry fruit intertwined with spice, espresso and black licorice notes. Has a tarry, slightly raisined edge to the finish, but the structure and heady fruit take an encore, boding well for cellaring, though you may always wrestle with the tannins.