Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Rouge 2019 (750ML)

98+ JD / 97 WS / 96 JS / 96 VM / 93-95 WA / 18.5 JR

The 2019 Ermitage Ex Voto is another massive 2019 from this team that readers will absolutely love to have in the cellar. Possessing an extravagant nose of cassis and black raspberries as well as crushed flowers, leather, graphite, and an incredible sense of minerality, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a concentrated, inward, structure mouthfeel, building tannins, and a great finish. It deserves at least a decade of bottle age and will evolve for 30-40 years in cold cellars. - Jeb Dunnuck

This blockbuster is stunning in power and complexity. Thick, dark, concentrated, and chewy, with flavors of cherry preserves, salted black licorice and macerated plum, forming a brooding, well-meshed core. Spice, tobacco and mesquite ash notes weave through, adding depth and length. Delicious now, this will only improve for those who have the patience to cellar. Best from 2025 through 2045. 50 cases imported.--KB, Wine Spectator

Enormously ripe and dense this is an imposing Hermitage with huge black fruit character, wrapped around the very compact tannic core. Some licorice, bitter chocolate and roasted coffee beans at the very long, structured finish. Needs some time, but already impresses from the first sniff! From four plots on the hill of Hermitage. Matured in 100% new oak for 42 months. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.--James Suckling

The 2019 Ermitage Ex-Voto is a head-turner. Prominent dark cherry compote and smoked meat race out of the glass. Violet, tobacco, crushed rocks, cedar and blackcurrant add more layers. Medium- to full-bodied and dense, the 2019 ranks among the most seductive renditions of this cuvée ever made–a hedonistic treat. - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media

Like previous vintages, the 2019 Ermitage Ex Voto originates from estate parcels in Les Bessards (30%), Les Greffieux (30%), Les Murets (20%) and L'Hermite (20%). Hugely dark and concentrated in hue, it offers up hints of crushed stone and roasted plum, plus grilled meat. Full-bodied and rich, yet also mouthwatering on the finish, it's a solid effort, but it looks to be a step behind the 2018 at this stage.--Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate

Barrel sample, tasted at the domaine. Some reductive notes with ripe crushed blue and blackberry fruit. Violet and graphite and surprising freshness with a leather snap, deep concentrated intense depth of fruit with real ferrous touch and a muscular kirsch finish.--Alistair Cooper MW, Jancis Robinson