E. Guigal : Ex Voto 2012

Tightly focused and still a touch closed, with roasted alder and juniper notes holding the core of crushed plum and raspberry fruit flavors in check for now. There's a lovely bolt of iron through the finish, along with dried anise and fruitcake tones, while energetic acidity adds length and class to the overall feel. Should settle in nicely with a touch more cellaring, as there's tons of fruit in reserve here. A beauty. Best from 2018 through 2035. 45 cases imported.

With richer, creamier and more spicy aromas, this has a very taut, composed and more reserved feel on the nose and palate than many. I love the fine and powdery tannin texture, the heaps of detail and the charming pepper and spice character. A compressed and elegant and more formal style of syrah. This is a very classy wine with great depth and elegance. The impression is of a precise, long and even wine, just starting out on a long ride. Best from 2018 and for more than a decade thereafter.

This may or may not be bottled separately. (The 2010 will be bottled only in February 2014.) Firm and dry on the finish, though there is some big black-fruit sweetness on the palate. Lots of tannin on the finish. (JR)

Inky ruby. Black currant, boysenberry, vanilla and smoky Indian spices on the intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Sweet, broad and surprisingly energetic for its heft, offering sappy dark fruit liqueur, violet pastille, fruitcake and spicecake flavors that show no rough edges. The floral and spice notes build steadily on a gently tannic, impressively long finish that shows noteworthy energy and mineral-driven tenacity.

A firm tannic framework, a straight and well-built palate; you absolutely need to wait, as the freshness on the finish is elegant; the estate’s great Côte-Rôtie wines offer superior charm and silkiness.