Moving to the northern Rhone whites, the 2011 Crozes Hermitage Blanc (almost all Marsanne) gives up classic honeysuckle, melon and serious minerality as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Gaining richness in the glass, yet with solid acidity, it’s a rock solid effort to drink over the coming 5-7 years.
Owned by the Guigal team, with the wines made by Guy Sarton-de-Joncquey, Vidal Fleury produces a wealth of high quality releases, most of which represent fantastic values. In addition to the northern and southern Rhone releases reviewed here, readers should also look at Issue 209 for the remainder of the southern Rhone efforts.