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 1995 Hermitage blanc is a closed example. The full-bodied 1995 exhibits a liquid minerality, a floral-scented nose, high alcohol, a powerful constitution, and a long, chewy, intense finish. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153