Hermitage Ex Voto Rouge Guigal 2012 (750ML)

"The 2012 Hermitage Ex Voto, whose fate is still a little unknown as it might be declassified into the straight Hermitage, shows the more forward, charming nature of the vintage with its sweet bouquet of cassis, black raspberries, licorice and vanilla bean. Big, rich, full-bodied and sexy with ripe tannin, it will be approachable in its youth and have two to three decades of longevity...94-96" Jeb Dunnuck, WA 12/15

94 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Inky ruby. Black currant, boysenberry, vanilla and smoky Indian spices on the intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Sweet, broad and surprisingly energetic for its heft, offering sappy dark fruit liqueur, violet pastille, fruitcake and spicecake flavors that show no rough edges. The floral and spice notes build steadily on a gently tannic, impressively long finish that shows noteworthy energy and mineral-driven tenacity." 05/17

96 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "With richer, creamier and more spicy aromas, this has a very taut, composed and more reserved feel on the nose and palate than many. I love the fine and powdery tannin texture, the heaps of detail and the charming pepper and spice character. A compressed and elegant and more formal style of syrah. This is a very classy wine with great depth and elegance. The impression is of a precise, long and even wine, just starting out on a long ride. Best from 2018 and for more than a decade thereafter." 10/16