White wine simply doesn't get any better than the 2012 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc. A massive, concentrated, yet insanely pure and focused effort, it has an incredible bouquet (almond paste, orange rind, caramelized peach), full-bodied richness, no hard edges and finish that just won't quit. Of all the 2012 whites, this has the most minerality, purity and precision. I'd happily drink it anytime over the coming 3-4 decades. Jeb Dunnuck <>

Another perfect wine from this reference point estate, the 2012 L'Ermite Blanc tastes like the essence of this terroir as well as Marsanne, and I can’t imagine this variety getting better than this. Almond paste, caramelized citrus, white peach, flowers, and liquid rock-like nuances all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with a massive amount of fruit, yet due to the magic of this terroir, it’s incredibly precise, pure, and chiseled, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. As I’ve written in the past, I’d happily drink bottles any time over the coming 3-4 decades.