The bottled 2006 Hermitage blanc is remarkably powerful (around 15% natural alcohol), and demonstrates the heights white wine varietals reached in the northern Rhone in 2006. Its sumptuous nose reminds me of a liqueur of white flowers intermixed with notions of truffles, white peaches, honeysuckle, marmalade, and crushed rocks. Dense, full-bodied, and super-powerful as well as flowery, with razor-like focus, this magnificent white Hermitage should drink well for 25-30 years. (RP)

Light gold color. Strikingly complex, sexy bouquet of pear, floral honey, sweet butter, anise, toasted grain and smoky minerals; reminds me of a top-notch Meursault. Very rich, with creamy orchard fruit flavors supported by a firm underpinning of minerals. The anise note gains power on the finish, which strongly echoes the honey, anise and mineral qualities. You could enjoy this immensely right now but I'd defer opening mine for at least another decade or more. Anything else would be vinfanticide. (JR)

Mid gold. Rich, waxy and honeyed. Beeswax. Lots of freshness underneath too. Vibrates. Long and amazingly tense and exciting. Minerality substitutes for acid. Buzzy and then a streak of green keeps this very lively.