Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc 2019 (750ML)

98+ JD / 97 WS / 97 DE / 96 WCI / 94-96 WA / 95 JS / 95 VM / 18.5 JR

On another level, the 2019 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is more reductive and tight, with a brilliant, concentrated, full-bodied, layered profile on the palate. White currants, quinces, scorched earth, and charcoal all define this backward, primary beast of a wine that will probably merit a triple digit rating in 4-5 years. It should have decades of longevity.--Jeb Dunnuck

A complex, densely packed white that opens up to reveal layer after layer of warm apple strudel, honeysuckle, citrus oil, ground ginger and lemon curd flavors, glazed over with warm oak spices and toasted cedar. Round and stylish, with serious hedonistic pleasure set against a spine of minerality and racy acidity. A bit of time in bottle will allow all the elements to integrate -- put this in the cellar for a bit. Marsanne and Roussanne. Best from 2025 through 2038. 50 cases imported.--Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator

A dense, aromatically imposing wine despite the fact it's fairly closed at this early stage, giving little away. Very full-bodied indeed, full of fat and power. A powerful Ex-Voto this year that will age well, it has the depth, power and energy to last. The oak regime is robust but it's less distracting than some vintages.-Matt Walls, Decanter

Honeysuckle, smoke, gunpowder, flowers, tropical fruit, and citrus crowd into the nose. On the palate, the wine is full, rich, deep, and complex with layers of ripe, yellow citrus, crushed rocks, white pepper, and Indian spice. Even though this was aged in 100% new, French oak, all of the wood is completely integrated into the wine. Give these a few years in the bottle before pulling a cork. Drink from 2025-2040.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

Mainly from Les Murets, but with a shot of L'Hermite, Guigal's 2019 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc looks pretty compelling from barrel. While the nose features notes of toasted grain, grilled pear and ripe melon, the real show is on the full-bodied palate. Rich, broad and fleshy, it's expansive and mouth filling without ever seeming blowsy or overdone, finishing long and impeccably balanced.--Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate

Stacks of toast, caramel and candied orange character fill out this mouth-filing and highly-structured white Hermitage. Serious tannins drive the finish which ploughs along like a mighty ocean liner. From two plots, l'Ermite and Les Murees. A cuvee of 95% marsanne and 5% roussanne. 100% new oak barrels for two years. Drink or hold.--James Suckling

Wafts of ripe melon, honeysuckle, yellow apple, dried flowers, flintstone and vanilla introduce the 2019 Ermitage Blanc Ex-Voto. Medium-bodied and focused, it offers ample concentration within a balancing framework of bright acidity. Spicy, toasty and peachy undertones make an appearance on a rounded palate that shows energy and ambition. Although it delivers plenty of joy today, the 2019 can easily age for another decade. - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media

Barrel sample. Broad floral nose with white flowers and jasmine dominating and with a lemongrass note. Rounded and incredibly textured, the alcohol is there but all in check. Gorgeous weight and lovely grilled almond notes on the long rich finish. --Alistair Cooper MW, Jancis Robinson