2015 E. Guigal "Ex Voto" Hermitage Rouge

“Aged 36 months in new oak, the colossal 2015 Hermitage Ex Voto is up with the finest vintages of this cuvée to date and is certainly in the same ballpark as the 2009 and 2010. This deep, powerful, muscular Hermitage boasts a saturated purple color to go with its huge nose of crème de cassis, freshly crushed rocks, incense, charcoal, and spring flowers. Full-bodied, with good acidity and huge richness and density, it requires 5-7 years of cellaring and should drink well for 40+ years. (JD)” (12/2018)

“Deep, glass-staining ruby. Deep-pitched aromas of cherry liqueur, blackberry, fruitcake and incense on the highly perfumed nose. Stains the palate with vibrant black and blue fruit liqueur, allspice and violet pastille flavors, enlivened by a smoky mineral nuance that builds with aeration. Shows a suave blend of richness and vivacity, and no rough edges. Spicy and expansive on the strikingly long, sappy finish, which features resonating dark berry character and youthfully chewy tannins. (JR)” (04/2020)

“This is a very powerful, sweetly spiced and complex Hermitage with hung meat and very ripe dark berries, delivered amid iodine and dark stones, as well as a core of rich mulberries and blackberries. The palate has an extremely impressive and succulent feel with such intensity and deeply ripe, long, plush tannins. Gossamer smooth finish and long, rich dark-plum flavors. Best from 2025.” (07/2019)

“Spicy, cedary and firm, the 2015 Ermitage Ex Voto is built tough, like the granite it comes from. Hints of pencil shavings and crushed stone accent mixed red and black fruit, picking up hints of licorice and pepper on the long, tannic finish. Give this another 5-6 years in the cellar, then drink it over the following decade and a half or so. (JC)” (12/2019)

“Meaty, smoky -- the sensual side of Syrah. The oak is the very definition of judicious -- spicy and opulent, but all interwoven. Manages to deliver purity and intensity without excess volume. Very smartly done, and with tannins that you could most definitely drink now. In fact, this is almost shy and retiring in structure, considering the appellation. Lovely meaty length. 18/20 points. Drink 2019-2030. (RH)” (07/2019)