The northern Rhone selections include the 2009 Crozes-Hermitage blanc (100% Marsanne aged in barrels), which reveals lots of crisp lemon zest and wet rock-like characteristics, a medium-bodied style and good, zesty acids. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Director Guy Sarton de Joncquey continues to upgrade virtually every wine being produced at Vidal Fleury. Working from a sparkling new facility, this property is moving toward earlier bottling to preserve the wines’ freshness and fruit, and quality is clearly on the upswing, as evidenced by issue #197’s report on their extensive negociant business in the southern Rhone. Importer: William Deutsch and Sons, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-WINE