The Guigal Estate was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal in Ampuis, a small ancient village and cradle of the Cote-Rotie appellation. It shelters a unique vineyard where the vines and the wines have been famous for 2,400 years. Arriving in the region in 1924 at the age of 14, Etienne began his career at Vidal-Fleury, participating in its development and working his way up to the position of cellar-master before leaving to establish his own company. He has vinified 67 harvests in Cote-Rotie.

In 1961, although still very young, Marcel Guigal took over management of the establishment from his father who was stricken suddenly with total blindness. In 1973, his wife Bernadette joined him and they worked together to develop the family business. In 1975, their son Philippe was born and is today the estate’s winemaker. With his wife Eve, he represents the third generation to continue the family business, in the service of the great wines of the Rhone Valley.

Their hard work and perseverance enabled them to purchase the Vidal-Fleury Establishment in the mid ‘80s and in 1995, they acquired the famous Chateau d’Ampuis, an ancient fort built in the 12th century, later repurposed into a Renaissance chateau during the 16th century. In a state of neglect and terrible disrepair, Guigal has taken on a colossal renovation, spanning nearly 11 years with over 100 people working on the project.

The Chateau d’Ampuis has become the headquarters of the Guigal Estate while the offices and the cellars remain in the ancient small village of Ampuis. While their vineyards span the length and breadth of what the Rhone Valley offers, the heart of the winery’s production is still Cote-Rotie, whose ultimate expression can be found in Guigal’s most famous releases: La Landonne, La Turque, and La Mouline.

The 2018 Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a product of France's Rhone region; more specifically, the Northern Rhone's prestigious Hermitage appellation. This luscious wine, produced by Guigal, is a testament to the potential of the Marsanne varietal when handled with finesse and expertise.

This white wine is a study in evolution, as noted by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Initially leaning towards opulence and fruit-forwardness, the wine has since matured in the bottle, demonstrating greater restraint and the promise of an impressive aging potential. The nose is treated to hints of toasted grain, lime custard, and scorched lemon zest, while the palate is graced by a rich display of toasted marshmallow and a heavily textured, slightly coarse sensation that concludes in a lengthy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck lauds this vintage as a majestic, noble white, characterised by notes of quince, honeyed minerality, toasted spices, orange marmalade, and spring flowers. Despite its density, richness, and full-bodied nature, it retains a focused and lengthy style that is set to evolve gracefully over the years.

James Suckling adds to the chorus, describing the wine's perfumed nose of flint, grilled lemons, hay, and pears. The full-bodied, silky textured wine exudes deep and layered notes of baked citrus, toasted garden herbs, beeswax, and sliced almonds, leaving an impression of succulence that lingers. Decanter's notes align with the others, describing it as full-bodied and rounded, with firm acidity and salinity. The oak, while dominant at this stage, is expected to harmonise with the deep fruit flavors over time.

In summary, the 2018 Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a wine of impressive depth and complexity, promising a journey of evolution and discovery for the discerning palate. It is a wine to be savoured now and in the years to come.