The 2012 Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto is a notable Syrah from the renowned Rhone region in France, specifically the Northern Rhone's Hermitage appellation. Produced by Guigal, this wine presents itself as a distinguished red with a 14.0% alcohol content and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
This vintage has received high praise from several respected wine critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through reviewer Jeb Dunnuck, awarded the wine a stellar score of 96. Dunnuck described it as a "big, voluptuous beauty that's loaded with fruit and texture." He highlighted its "crème de cassis, black raspberries, crushed rocks, and a touch of beef blood" aromas, emphasizing the wine's rich, sweet fruit and ripe tannin. He went so far as to refer to it as "Liquid Viagra," noting its impressive aging potential of 25 or more years.
Wine Spectator also rated the 2012 Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto at 96 points. The review, dated January 2016, noted the wine's "tightly focused and still a touch closed" nature, with "roasted alder and juniper notes holding the core of crushed plum and raspberry fruit flavors in check." The review praised the wine's "lovely bolt of iron through the finish," complemented by "dried anise and fruitcake tones," and highlighted its "energetic acidity" which adds to the wine's length and class. The suggestion was to let the wine rest until at least 2018 for optimal enjoyment, with an excellent aging potential extending through 2035.
James Suckling's review, dated October 2016, also granted the wine 96 points, emphasizing its "richer, creamier and more spicy aromas." Suckling appreciated the wine's "very taut, composed and more reserved feel," noting its "fine and powdery tannin texture" and "heaps of detail." He described it as a "very classy wine with great depth and elegance," highlighting the "charming pepper and spice character" and the wine's potential for a long, graceful aging process, suggesting it would be best from 2018 onwards.
In summary, the 2012 Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto is a highly acclaimed Syrah, praised for its rich and complex flavor profile, excellent aging potential, and overall elegance. It stands out as a remarkable example of Hermitage Syrah, earning consistent high scores from top wine critics.