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 2012 Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto is a revelation in the world of Syrah, hailing from the venerable terroir of Northern Rhone, France. This exquisite red wine, produced by the esteemed Guigal, is an embodiment of the region's winemaking prowess and the inherent potential of the Syrah grape. This vintage carries an alcohol content of 14%, gracefully sealed with a cork closure.

Upon pouring, the wine reveals a deep, rich red color that is characteristic of the finest Syrahs. The bouquet is a symphony of complex aromas, with decadent notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, crushed rocks, and a touch of unique beef blood, all conspiring to create an olfactory experience that is both luxurious and intriguing.

On the palate, the 2012 Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto seduces with a voluptuous texture and an abundance of sweet fruit flavors. The structure is beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins that promise a wine capable of aging majestically. The finish is a masterclass in elegance, with a bolt of iron and undertones of dried anise and fruitcake.

Described as "liquid Viagra" by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this wine possesses an irresistible allure. It has been highly appreciated by top wine reviewers, scoring an impressive 96 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and James Suckling.

This is a wine of great depth and precision, poised for a long journey of maturation. It is recommended for cellaring, with the promise of revealing more layers of complexity and finesse over the years. This is not just a bottle of wine, but a testament to Rhone's winemaking tradition and a homage to the dynamic potential of the Syrah grape.