E. Guigal Ermitage "Ex Voto" Blanc

L’Ermitage « Ex-Voto » white is produced only in exceptional vintages. It is remarkably aromatic and complex. The nose is bursting with acacia flowers, honey and toasted notes.

Winemaker notes

Eye : Brilliant clean straw yellow.
Nose : White flowers, acacia honey, hawthorn blossom. Powerful and intense aromas.
Palate : Rich and full-bodied. Fully expressive of the terroir which lends this Hermitage body and strength.
Overall : Balance between a delicate and expressive nose and fleshy fruit on the palate underpinned y the powerful terroir.

2012

Wine Advocate 96: Released in February and reminiscent of the forward and charming 2007, the 2012 Hermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a huge, sexy beast that has loads of mid-palate density, full-bodied richness and terrific notes of orange marmalade, caramelized peaches, honeysuckle and rose petals. It has moderate acidity, yet I suspect will age on its extract and concentration.

Vinous 95: Bright yellow-gold. Ripe citrus and pit fruits and pungent flowers on the powerful, mineral-tinged nose. Sappy, deeply concentrated nectarine, poached pear and honeysuckle flavors show superb clarity and pick up a suggestion of iodine with air. Smoothly melds power and finesse and finishes with outstanding energy and length, leaving behind notes of candied flowers, honey and smoky minerals.

2019

Wine Advocate 94-96: 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.

James Suckling 95: 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.

Decanter 97: 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.