I retasted the 1995 Hermitage Cuvee Classique blanc and it is a well-made wine, but not at the top level Sorrel achieved in vintages such as 1991, 1990, 1989, and 1988. It exhibits crisp acidity, a straightforward nose of white fruits, minerals, and spice, and medium body. It is ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years. Marc Sorrel produces three cuvees of white wine, a Crozes-Hermitage and two offerings of Hermitage, the cuvee classique, and his famed single vineyard Les Rocoules. These wines are all put through malolactic fermentation, and aged 12 or more months in used oak barrels (Sorrel buys most of his casks from Marcel Guigal).Importers: World Shippers and Importers, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (215) 732-2018, a Christopher Cannan Selection, Europvin USA, Watertown, MA; tel. (617) 924-7620 and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625

The 1995 Hermitage Cuvee Classique displays a dark ruby color, but it tastes austere, tannic, and hard, with an excess of structure for its level of fruit. This wine may dry out before it ever fully blossoms. It needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for a decade. Importers: World Shippers and Importers, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (215) 732-2018, a Christopher Cannan Selection, Europvin USA, Watertown, MA; tel. (617) 924-7620 and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625