E. Guigal : Ex Voto 2013

This is intense, as dense ganache, espresso, roasted juniper and alder notes form an impressive frame around an equally ornate core of steeped fig, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors, all while maintaining terrific cut and drive despite the heft. A mouthwatering iron accent at the very end seals the deal. Best from 2020 through 2040. 30 cases imported.

Ex-Voto is from 40- to 90-year-old vines grown in the lieux-dits of Les Bessards, Les Greffieux, Les Murands, and L'Hermite, yielding around 35 hl/ha. It spent 46 months in new oak barrels, giving deep notes of stewed plum and furniture polish. It is very full-bodied and powerful, with a dense, firm tannic mass, and a very long, oaky finish. There’s also a saline streak to this wine, a broad-shouldered warrior, for now enclosed in a wooden cage.

The extra time in bottle has settled the considerable oak influence into balance with the ripe, concentrated peach and melon aromas. Some lovely honeysuckle builds with air. Toasted, biscuity oak flavors frame ripe white peaches and grilled lemons. Long, suave and concentrated palate. Drink or hold.

...Or at least this is potentially the wine that will be sold as Ex Voto. Rich and quite explosive. Great potential, and the cask sample was livelier than the half-bottle sample. Very muscular and fit! (JR)

(aged in new oak for 40 months) Glass-staining ruby. Deep-pitched cassis, cherry liqueur, incense and candied violet scents, along with hints of olive paste and Moroccan spices. Sweet, broad and energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors underscored by an intense mineral quality. Unfolds very slowly with air and finishes impressively long, featuring youthful tannins and outstanding energy.

The 2013 Ermitage Ex Voto is more concentrated as well as structured. Bacon fat, graphite, burning embers, and loads of darker fruits all emerge from this full-bodied, layered, silky Ex Voto that shines for its purity and elegance, all while still packing plenty of fruit. Bottles need 4-5 years, but it’s going to cruise in the cellar two decades.

An elegant, harmonious palate with a silky touch; the élevage is slightly more noticeable than on the la-la-la, with polished, supple tannins and a fresh, flavorful whole that keeps its power well in check.

This wine is dense, with deep notes of prune, leather, coffee, and a slight animal hint. The palate is broad and supple, well balanced, and long.