• 2003 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage (6/30/2008)
  Opened and decanted for 2 hours based on the awkward state this wine appeared to be in the last time I popped and poured this bottling. Still a youthful medium to dark purple. After trying a small sample with 60 minutes in decanter I immediately noticed the "funky," almost feral aroma that was present with the last bottle. After another 60 minutes this wine started to show the same potential that was apparent upon release with complex aromas of cherry & raspberry, earth, provencal herbs, olive tapenade, plus hints of roast beef. Medium plus body. Very refined with a plush, silky quality to the tannins. Most of the aromas from the nose are repeated on the palate with a few additional nuances, in particular a hint of milk chocolate.
  This bottling may be shutting down so if opening it wouldn't hurt to decant for 2+ hours.
  (Also, after looking at recent tasting notes and based upon my last couple of bottles I'm starting to wonder if there may some bottle variation...) (91 pts.)

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