The 2000 Hermitage blanc is one of the finest examples I have tasted from Guigal. It boasts notes of orange marmalade intermixed with honeysuckle, minerals, and roasted nuts as well as a long, textured, full-bodied finish. This big, broad effort is more accessible than the 1999 (due to lower acidity and riper fruit), but should also be long-lived. 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

The 2000 Hermitage blanc is one of the finest examples I have tasted from Guigal. It boasts notes of orange marmalade intermixed with honeysuckle, minerals, and roasted nuts as well as a long, textured, full-bodied finish. This big, broad effort is more accessible than the 1999 (due to lower acidity and riper fruit), but should also be long-lived. 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