This is a fine negociant white. The 1999 Hermitage Le Rouet blanc offers an intriguing perfume of peaches, rose petals, and honeysuckle. It is broad, expansive, and full-bodied, with impressive concentration. The wine experienced 100% malolactic in barrel, and spent 18 months on its lees prior to being bottled. It is a blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne. This offering should age well for a decade. Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, NY; tel. (516) 802-4700.

The 1996 Hermitage Le Rouet blanc is a blend of equal parts Roussanne and Marsanne that achieved 14.3% alcohol naturally. This wine reveals copious quantities of white Hermitage's floral/honeysuckle characteristics, along with minerals and smoke. A top-flight white Hermitage, it should drink well for 7-8 years. Importer: Premiere Wine Merchants, New York, NY; tel. (212) 399-4200