2015 Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc

Marsanne - 750ML
Reg: $234.94
$179.94
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REVIEWS

JD 100 WS 96 JL 95 WA 95 DC 94 W&S 94 WE 93
JD 100

jebdunnuck.com, December 2018

The 2015 Hermitage Ex Voto Blanc is certainly in the same league as the 2009 and 2010, and it’s going to be interesting to compare these vintages over the coming 2-3+ decades. The 2015 has all the hallmarks of a great...
WS 96

Wine Spectator, June 2019

Features a gorgeous brioche frame around the creamed pear, yellow apple, quince and white peach flavors, with glistening verbena, honeysuckle and green almond notes on the finish. Showy and beautiful. Best from 2020...
JL 95

TheWineCellarInsider.com, September 2018

Dripping with luscious, rich, ripe, sweet, citrus and ripe, white peaches, the wine has this honeysuckle and crushed rock character, that adds to the complexity. With ample, weight and density, this should age quite...
WA 95

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, November 2018

Since the 2016 hasn't been bottled yet, I was offered a second look at the in-bottle 2015 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc, which I rated 94+? last year. This year, it's a bit more open, showing toasty-nutty notes of almonds and...
DC 94

Decanter, October 2017

This has a very oaky nose thanks to the extended ageing in 100% new oak. Notes of cashew, marzipan and macadamia lead into a very full and flowing palate with generous glycerol and silky oak, and acidity which is a touch...
W&S 94

Wine & Spirits, August 2019

The Guigals make Ex Voto only in years they consider exceptional, and focus the white wine on two parcels of the Hermitage hill: the rocky, alluvial Les Murets, and the sandy loess soils of L’Ermite. Mostly marsanne...
WE 93

Wine Enthusiast, May 2020

Smoke, cedar and vanilla tones are pronounced now, but plenty of succulent white peach, apricot and tangerine pulses at the core of this generous white. Rippling and rich yet freshly balanced, it's a sturdy bottling built...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type White
Varietal Marsanne
Country France
Region Rhone
Sub-region Northern Rhone
Appellation Hermitage
Vintage 2015
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 13.5%
Closure Cork

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 2015 Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is an exceptional white wine that hails from the renowned Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. Crafted by the esteemed producer Guigal, this wine showcases the unique characteristics of the Marsanne varietal and embodies the essence of its terroir.

In the glass, this white wine exhibits a beautiful golden hue, hinting at its depth and complexity. The nose is immediately captivating, offering an enticing bouquet of toasted almonds, hazelnuts, and ripe melon. As the wine opens up, additional layers of pear fruit and spice emerge, creating a symphony of aromas that is truly captivating.

On the palate, the 2015 Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a full-bodied powerhouse, displaying a remarkable texture and length. The rich and luscious flavors of sweet citrus, white peaches, and ripe, creamy pears dominate the palate, while nuances of honeysuckle and crushed rock add complexity and depth. The wine's ample weight and density are balanced by a vibrant acidity, ensuring a harmonious and well-structured wine.

This wine has received high praise from esteemed wine critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive 95 points, describing it as a "full-bodied powerhouse" with great texture, spice, and length. Jeb Dunnuck was even more effusive in his praise, awarding the wine a perfect score of 100 points and declaring it to be in the same league as the outstanding 2009 and 2010 vintages.

With its exceptional quality and undeniable aging potential, the 2015 Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a wine that demands attention. While it is certainly enjoyable now, its true potential will be realized with further cellaring. This wine is destined to improve with age and will undoubtedly be a showstopper when enjoyed alongside a cheese course or other decadent culinary delights. For those fortunate enough to experience it, this wine promises a memorable and extraordinary tasting experience.