2007 Ermitage Ex-Voto Rouge Guigal

Just being released, the spectacular 2007 Hermitage Ex-Voto exhibits a discrete hint of oak (despite its 42 month aging in 100% new French oak) along with plenty of creme de cassis, lead pencil shaving and blackberry liqueur characteristics. Full-bodied with magnificent concentration and richness, silky tannins and a long, long finish, this remarkable 2007 is the Hermitage of the vintage. It should drink well for 30-40+ years.

Upfront and incredibly perfumed, the 2007 E. Guigal Hermitage Ex-Voto is an off the hook blend of 100% Syrah that spent 42-months in 100% new French oak. It delivers deep, layered aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, lead pencil, smoked meat, and hints of chocolate that slowly morph towards classic northern Rhône characteristics of sappy spring flowers and bacon fat over the evening. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with a building richness that shows on the finish, it holds onto a seamless, elegant feel that keeps you coming back for another glass. Already approachable, with gorgeous purity of fruit and no hard edges, it needs another 3-4 years to really shine, and will have upwards of two decades or more of ultimate longevity.

This has gorgeous espresso and roasted mesquite aromatics, followed by dense but velvety-textured plum sauce, blackberry paste and cassis flavors. The long, suave finish smolders with Lapsang souchong tea and singed iron, showing ample grip for the cellar.

40-90-year-old-vines, 42 months in new oak (so will be on the market 2018). Wide, regal and intense, shot through with ripe, firm tannin - this is a solid success for Guigal in 2014. Dense, mineral with that unmistakable Hermitage majesty. It has a robust structure but relatively lean, straight fruit expression. Pretty epic. 2022-2040.

L'élevage sous bois a fait entrer dans le rang sa solide composition tannique. À oublier jusqu'en 2017.

Inky ruby. A highly fragrant bouquet displays black and blue fruits, violet and olive, with powerful spice notes adding energy. Rich, perfumed and expansive blackberry and boysenberry flavors stain the palate and are complemented by cola and floral pastille nuances. The bright, incisive finish features intense spiciness and a lingering violet quality. This wine's vineyard components are 40% each of Greffieux and Bessards and 10% each of Ermite and Murands.