The excellent 2007 Crozes-Hermitage blanc (95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne) was aged in 25% oak, and was put through full malolactic fermentation. It reveals crisp honeyed citrus along with subtle notions of hazelnut and exotic tropical fruits. Medium-bodied, zesty, and flavorful, it should be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. While the entire world of wine knows how profound Guigal’s red wines are, they may not know that he continues to demonstrate a complete mastery of white wine varietals, from his lowly Cotes du Rhone blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, to his seriously-endowed dry whites from the northern Rhone. There are two cuvees of white Hermitage. The luxury offering, Ex-Voto, comes from five acres of 90-year old Marsanne vines planted in two separate vineyards on Hermitage Hill - l’Ermite and Les Murets. As the following notes indicate, Guigal has set aside a number of barrels that could make up the 2007 Ex-Voto, but he is not yet sure the quality will be high enough as this must be a wine of great richness and complexity. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Guigal's 2007 Crozes manages to be round and lush in texture yet fresh at the same time, melding apple, pear and melon fruit with crisper, citrusy notes that come into focus on the long finish. Drink now-2012.——J.C.(4/1/2010)—— 88