More rich and layered, the 2012 Hermitage Blanc is something. White currants, apricot, crushed rock and assorted tropical notes all show here, and it builds on the palate with plenty of texture, yet also stays clean and balanced, with integrated acidity and a big finish. Enjoy it over the coming 4-5 years (although I suspect it will last longer). A collaboration between the Perrin Family, of Beaucastel, and Nicolas Jaboulet, of the Jaboulet family in the northern Rhone, this lineup is made mostly from purchased grapes (The Perrin’s own some of the vineyards in Crozes), with the wines made using Beaucastel barrels in the north, and blended at the Perrin Family winery in the south. They are all well-made, high quality efforts. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

The outstanding 2010 Hermitage Blanc (a barrel-aged blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne) exhibits copious notes of marzipan, creme brulee, honeysuckle, rose water and fresh fruit along with good minerality as well as acidity. Drink this big white wine over the next 7-10 years. This relatively new negociant operation combines two of the great families of the Rhone Valley, the Perrins in Chateauneuf du Pape and the Jaboulets in the northern Rhone. In this case, it is Nicolas Jaboulet working with the Perrins. Their objective is to produce high quality selections from major northern appellations. Launching a new brand in a difficult economic environment is always risky, but given the resources available to these two families, this should be a brand worth following. Their first releases were from challenging vintages such as 2006 and 2007, and they appear to be hitting their stride with the 2009s and 2010s.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

Primarily from Greffieux and Muret, the 2009 Hermitage exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as notes of sweet cassis and blackberries intermixed with hints of flowers, licorice and asphalt. Made in a relatively forward style, it should drink well for 10-15 years. This relatively new negociant operation combines two of the great families of the Rhone Valley, the Perrins in Chateauneuf du Pape and the Jaboulets in the northern Rhone. In this case, it is Nicolas Jaboulet working with the Perrins. Their objective is to produce high quality selections from major northern appellations. Launching a new brand in a difficult economic environment is always risky, but given the resources available to these two families, this should be a brand worth following. Their first releases were from challenging vintages such as 2006 and 2007, and they appear to be hitting their stride with the 2009s and 2010s. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

Pretty aromatic for a white Hermitage, with some floral notes alongside more typical notes of mineral oil and wet stones. This is full bodied but fresh, with anise and citrus balancing out the richness and ripeness. ——J.C.(10/1/2011)—— 90