Millésime 2003

Wine Advocate # 170 - Apr 2007

Score : 94

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. Drink: 2007 - 2027. Robert Parker.

Wine Spectator - Nov 15, 2006

Score: 91

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. James Molesworth.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 07

Score: 92

Medium gold. Intense aromas of pungent peach, dried apricot and fig, along with an exotic white truffle note. Powerful, deeply concentrated apricot and dried fig flavors show outstanding clarity and surprising energy thanks to fresh acidity. This exotic and complex wine would make an ideal accompaniment to richly flavored fish courses or ripe cheeses. This spent two years in two-year-old barriques Guigal calls it the best value in the cellar.  Josh Raynolds