E. Guigal Hermitage Rouge 2018

Opaque violet color. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe cherry, dark berry preserves, candied flowers, olive and smoky minerals. Juicy and broad in the mouth, offering spice-tinged bitter cherry, blackberry, licorice and fruitcake flavors that show fine clarity and turn sweeter as the wine opens up. Finishes on an emphatic floral note, displaying strong tenacity, steadily building tannins and reverberating dark berry and spice notes.

After seeing this wine two years ago, I have to admit a bit of disappointment with its showing on this occasion. The full-bodied 2018 Hermitage is rich and velvety in feel, with complex aromas and flavors of dried spices, hickory-smoked meat and red raspberries, yet it lacks the profundity and length I was expecting. It's possible I was overenthusiastic last time around or that it's a bit closed down after bottling, but it's still an excellent bottle of wine and could improve with short-term cellaring.

The 2018 Crozes-Hermitage has plenty of peppery, earthy dark fruits as well as medium-bodied richness on the palate. Nicely balanced, with terrific purity and a great finish. It's perfect for drinking over the coming 5-7 years.