E. Guigal Hermitage Blanc 2003
E. Guigal
Eye: Consistent straw yellow.
Nose: Complex nose with dominant floral vegetal notes and acacia honey. Elegant and delicate oak.
Palate: Spicy with good structure. A wine for ageing.
Overall: Overall balance and with deep complex aromas characteristic of these rare white wines.
Food and wine matching: Spicy starters, fish, garlicky dishes and cheese.
Wine Advocate
To finish off the tasting of whites, we finished with the two just released 2003s, the 2003 Hermitage blanc and the 2003 Hermitage Ex-Voto blanc. Given the difference in price, the real value is the extraordinary 2003 Hermitage blanc, an absolutely magnificent white Hermitage, probably the best Guigal has produced under this moniker, with amazing richness, powerful, unctuous flavors, no sign of new oak whatsoever, great intensity, 15% natural alcohol, and incredible thickness, freshness, and depth. This is even better than it was last year (a common characteristic at Guigal as the bottled wines frequently show better than the barrel samples, which is the way it should be). Its honeyed peach, acacia flower liqueur notes and viscosity are the stuff of legend, and this wine usually sells at a realistic price and should age effortlessly for 20 or more years.
Score: 94.
—Robert Parker,
April
2007.
Wine Spectator
Plump and forward, with peach, dried pineapple and coconut notes kept honest by a citrus peel hint in the background. Lingering note of almond on the finish. Nice balance and freshness for the vintage. Drink now through 2012. 2,000 cases made.
Score: 91.
—James Molesworth,
November
15,
2006.
Wine Enthusiast
This is a powerful, rich white Hermitage with overtones of buttered nuts. It’s slightly waxy, with hints of stone fruit as well. Already shows some hints of age, so this may be best consumed young.
Score: 90.
—Joe Czerwinski,
September
01,
2007.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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