Tardieu-Laurent, Hermitage Blanc

Tardieu-Laurent, Hermitage BlancGorgeous from start to finish, with fig, cardamom, quince paste, grilled hazelnut and allspice notes. A big, powerful style, this is richly textured, but deftly underpinned by fine acidity and a long, lingering note of Jonagold apple. Drink now through 2017. 300 cases made. JM

fruit-laden feel through the finish

crushed and pressed to 100% new Bordelais oak

There is touch of petrol character to the ultra-fresh and cool aromas of mostly white fleshed fruit and pretty floral nuances

Gago opened two bottles of this wine

479 bottles and 300 magnums

This should probably be drunk up sooner than later

from yields of only 9 hl/ha)

crushed stone and black licorice

A subtle whiff of exotic fruit can be found on the lightly wooded aromas of mineral reduction

Give this a long spell in a decanter if you plan to uncork a bottle anytime soon

A blend of 85 per cent merlot and 15 per cent cabernet franc

spice and newly turned earth