E. Guigal : Hermitage 2019

Delicious and inviting, in a sunny, expressive style. Offers citrus blossom, lemon oil and ripe yellow plum notes that cruise alongside sun tea and toasted hazelnut to fill out the lush palate, with hints of pastry. Shows charm and poise, with wet stone accents and lively acidity bringing excellent definition. Drink now through 2030. 2,000 cases made, 100 cases imported.

Not for the faint-hearted, this has lots of beeswax and candied orange on the nose, plus notes of toast and vanilla. A bold, rich and weighty white Hermitage, but the fine tannins support this expansiveness very well. A cuvée of 95% marsanne and 5% roussanne. 50% new oak and 50% used barrels for two years. Drink or hold.

I loved the 2019 Hermitage Blanc, another impeccably made white from this team. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and even elegant, yet still with plenty of oomph, it has brilliant notes of quince, crushed stone, acacia flowers, and spice. Despite coming from a warmer (hot) vintage, this has notable purity and freshness. Drink it over the coming 10–12 years or so (it will keep longer).

It’s too often forgotten, but the appellation produces remarkable white wines made for ageing. This Marsanne–Roussanne blend is solid, still showing the vanilla aromatics from its élevage, but with depth and fruit. In 3 to 4 years, it will be at its peak.

Ripe and waxy notes on the nose. Rich layers of stone fruit, with punchy apple and pear fruit on the palate. Good concentration with lifting freshness and a vibrant finish.

Lemon peel, ripe pear, dried blossom, cedar and melon nuances introduce the classy 2019 Hermitage Blanc. Offering a medium body and refreshing acidity, it leaves a slightly saline aftertaste on the sapid finale.

95% Marsanne, 5% Roussanne. Honey, almond, pear and caramel from new oak. Full, expressive, rich palate with viscosity, oak spice and powerful fruit giving substance. Low acid: the structure comes from flesh not bones. (RH)