I tasted component parts of the 2001 Hermitage Blanc. Aromas of acacia flowers, honeysuckle and citrus were followed by a medium to full bodied white with loads of glycerin as well as heady fruit and alcohol. Elegant and crisper, it is more obviously backward than the 2000. Anticipated maturity: now-2017.

I tasted component parts of the 2001 Hermitage blanc. Aromas of acacia flowers, honeysuckle, and citrus were followed by a medium to full-bodied white with loads of glycerin as well as heady fruit and alcohol. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, and crisper, it is more obviously backward than the 2000. This family-run estate continues to go from strength to strength, with the father and son (Gerard and Jean-Louis) team pushing all the right buttons to achieve success at all quality levels. Jean-Louis Chave is responsible for several negociant wines. Importers: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800 and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524