The 2020 Crozes Hermitage Blanc is about 75% Marsanne and 25% Roussanne, with 60% barrel fermented and the rest done in glass vessels. Hints of toast accent pear and white peach on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is fleshy and ripe, with notes of fennel and white gumdrop on the finish. Drink it young.

Bottled in March, the 2015 Crozes Hermitage Blanc comes all from estate vines and includes 20% Roussanne. In comparison to the entry-level Laurent White, this goes completely through malolactic fermentation and is aged in a combination of stainless steel and three- to five-year-old barrels. Possessing more fat, texture and richness, with notes of citrus, ripe peach and marmalade, this medium to full-bodied, juicy, nicely balanced white is ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.

Laurent commented they had to make a strict selection in 2014 due to hail damage, and that yields were down over 30%. The 2014 Crozes Hermitage Blanc is a beauty that offers notable freshness and purity as well as lots of citrus blossom, lychee, spring flowers and a hint of minerality. Medium-bodied, elegant, straight and focused, drink it over the coming 3-4 years.

The 1999 Crozes-Hermitage blanc exhibits the tell-tale Marsanne characteristic of lemon honey, citrus, grapefruit, and notes of white flowers (the cognoscenti say acacia). Fresh, with good texture, ripeness, and a medium-bodied, dry finish, it will drink well for 2-3 years. Importer: Stacole Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

The excellent 1998 Crozes-Hermitage (a blend of 50% cuves and 50% old barrels) possesses considerable character and fat, fleshy fruit. Citrus, strawberry, and honeyed notes make for a chewy, fleshy, low acid, dry white. It will offer tasty drinking over the next several years. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel (540) 722-9228