To finish off the tasting of whites, we finished with the two just released 2003s, the 2003 Hermitage blanc and the 2003 Hermitage Ex-Voto blanc. Given the difference in price, the real value is the extraordinary 2003 Hermitage blanc, an absolutely magnificent white Hermitage, probably the best Guigal has produced under this moniker, with amazing richness, powerful, unctuous flavors, no sign of new oak whatsoever, great intensity, 15% natural alcohol, and incredible thickness, freshness, and depth. This is even better than it was last year (a common characteristic at Guigal as the bottled wines frequently show better than the barrel samples, which is the way it should be). Its honeyed peach, acacia flower liqueur notes and viscosity are the stuff of legend, and this wine usually sells at a realistic price and should age effortlessly for 20 or more years. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

To finish off the tasting of whites, we finished with the two just released 2003s, the 2003 Hermitage blanc and the 2003 Hermitage Ex-Voto blanc. Given the difference in price, the real value is the extraordinary 2003 Hermitage blanc, an absolutely magnificent white Hermitage, probably the best Guigal has produced under this moniker, with amazing richness, powerful, unctuous flavors, no sign of new oak whatsoever, great intensity, 15% natural alcohol, and incredible thickness, freshness, and depth. This is even better than it was last year (a common characteristic at Guigal as the bottled wines frequently show better than the barrel samples, which is the way it should be). Its honeyed peach, acacia flower liqueur notes and viscosity are the stuff of legend, and this wine usually sells at a realistic price and should age effortlessly for 20 or more years. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

This is a powerful, rich white Hermitage with overtones of buttered nuts. It’s slightly waxy, with hints of stone fruit as well. Already shows some hints of age, so this may be best consumed young.——J.C.(9/1/2007)—— 90