Not yet bottled, but potentially the finest dry white Delas has ever made, the 2009 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes Blanc was made from 100% Marsanne aged in 100% oak. The wood component is pushed to the background, with the dominant characteristics being honeyed, caramelized citrus, orange marmalade, nectarine, crushed rocks and white currants. This full-bodied white should drink well over its first 7-8 years of life, then close down and re-open at age 20-25. Under the inspired leadership of winemaker/administrator Jacques Grange, who has carte blanche authority from the proprietors, the Louis Roederer/Deutz Champagne firm, Delas has been on a fabulous qualitative roll for over a decade. They have enjoyed some great successes, so it is hard to say 2009 may be the magnum opus of Jacques Grange, but it certainly looks fabulous. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000