($68, Vineyard Brands):  Two Rhone Valley powerhouses, the Perrin family of Châteauneuf du Pape, and Nicholas Jaboulet of the eponymous house in Hermitage, have forged an alliance and brought out a new line of wines.  Judging from this one, it will be a successful project.  Although most Hermitage is red, a small amount of the appellation is devoted to white and when made by a conscientious producer, such as this one, it’s a captivating wine.  A blend of Marsanne (70%) and Roussanne, it combines a subtle stone fruit quality with an engaging earthy/chalky notes.  It has remarkable balance. It’s firm and dense–almost a thick, lanolin-like texture–but not heavy.  Enjoyable now, to be sure, it has plenty of acidity and stuffing to evolve the way. 92 Michael Apstein Nov 9, 2010