No longer 100% Marsanne, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage la Petite Ruche Blanc includes about 10% of Roussanne as well. It's more generous than usual, with scents of pineapple and melon, joined by flavors of tangerine and pear on the medium-bodied palate. Charming and generous, it should be consumed young for its ebullient fruit.

The 2017 Crozes Hermitage la Petite Ruche Blanc retains a great sense of freshness for such a warm vintage. Pineapple and melon notes add intriguing hints of white pepper on the medium to full-bodied palate, and there's a chalky-zesty feel to the finish. Drink it over the next couple of years.

Plump and round in the mouth, the medium to full-bodied 2016 Crozes Hermitage la Petite Ruche Blanc is nearly all Marsanne. Perfumed, with melon and pear flavors, it's an easy-drinker to consume in its first couple of years.

There are two Crozes Hermitage whites and I thought both were outstanding. The least expensive offering is the 2015 Crozes Hermitage La Petite Ruche Blanc, which is made from 100% Marsanne and aged in a combination of demi-muids and stainless steel tanks. It has lots of minerality in addition to notes of white flowers and citrus blossom, medium body, an elegant, seamless texture and good acidity.

Another good value is the 2014 Crozes Hermitage Blanc la Petite Ruche. Made from 100% Marsanne and raised all in stainless steel, it has notes of buttered citrus and brioche, medium-bodied richness and bright acidity, all of which make it distinctly quaffable and versatile on the dinner table. Drink it over the coming couple of years.