Although the bottled 1999 Hermitage blanc has begun to close down, it still reveals plenty of honeyed butter/nutty notes, huge body, excellent texture, plenty of power, and a long, concentrated finish. This offering will age well, and may merit a higher score after a few years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Guigal’s white Hermitage should be even better now that he has acquired additional top parcels, particularly those purchased from Jean-Louis Grippat, which included holdings in two of the appellation’s finest vineyards, Les Rocoules and Les Murets.Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Although the bottled 1999 Hermitage blanc has begun to close down, it still reveals plenty of honeyed butter/nutty notes, huge body, excellent texture, plenty of power, and a long, concentrated finish. This offering will age well, and may merit a higher score after a few years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Guigal’s white Hermitage should be even better now that he has acquired additional top parcels, particularly those purchased from Jean-Louis Grippat, which included holdings in two of the appellation’s finest vineyards, Les Rocoules and Les Murets. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153