Among Guigal's most notable negociant wines (for which he buys wines to blend) is his Hermitage. It is no secret that he has been seeking to purchase a top domaine from this hallowed appellation. At present he purchases wine from several small producers. The white Hermitage tends to begin life in a backward state, only to evolve and age nicely for 10-15 years. I felt both his 1994 and 1995 white Hermitages, which I had tasted in 1997, were even better in 1998. The 1994 Hermitage blanc (90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne), which had put on weight, revealed the unmistakable mineral/honeyed rose petal and citrusy nose of young white Hermitage, intermixed with a notion of fino sherry. Grilled nuts make an appearance on the palate in this massive, ripe, full-bodied offering. This huge dry white is meant only for serious wine connoisseurs. Although drinkable now, I suspect it will shut down, not to re-emerge for a decade. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Among Guigal's most notable negociant wines (for which he buys wines to blend) is his Hermitage. It is no secret that he has been seeking to purchase a top domaine from this hallowed appellation. At present he purchases wine from several small producers. The white Hermitage tends to begin life in a backward state, only to evolve and age nicely for 10-15 years. I felt both his 1994 and 1995 white Hermitages, which I had tasted in 1997, were even better in 1998.The 1994 Hermitage blanc (90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne), which had put on weight, revealed the unmistakable mineral/honeyed rose petal and citrusy nose of young white Hermitage, intermixed with a notion of fino sherry. Grilled nuts make an appearance on the palate in this massive, ripe, full-bodied offering. This huge dry white is meant only for serious wine connoisseurs. Although drinkable now, I suspect it will shut down, not to re-emerge for a decade. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153