Tasting like a white Hermitage, the 2010 St.-Peray Marsanne exhibits notes of licorice, white currants, quince and pineapple as well as a full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel with lots of minerality. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. Importer: A Jocelyn Cambier Selection, Appellation Imports, Annapolis Junction, MD; tel. (800) 221-9916

The 2009 St.-Peray Marsanne possesses more white currant, gun flint and citrus notes. These three dry whites from Domaine du Tunnel are best drunk in their first 2-3 years of life. Stephane Robert has produced three brilliant white wines from the up-and-coming appellation of St.-Peray. The top white cuvee is the St.-Peray Cuvee Prestige, a blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne made from the estate’s oldest vines. All three of these white offerings are Rhone Valley Chablis-like wines with lots of chalky, earthy, mineral and crisp, honeyed citrus notes.Importer: A Jocelyn Cambier Selection, Appellation Imports, Annapolis Junction, MD; tel. (800) 221-9916