E. Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc 2018
- jd100
- wa92-95
Category | White Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | E. Guigal |
Origin | France, Rhône, Hermitage |
Other vintages
Ermitage Ex-Voto represents the fulfillment of a longtime dream of Guigal’s to own his own vineyard land on the hill of Hermitage. Through the purchase of the de Vallouit and J. L. Grippat domaines in 2000, Guigal acquired four vineyard parcels on this legendary site.
The 2001 vintage was the first release of this estate-bottled Hermitage red and white. The white comes from two parcels, les Murets (90%) and L’Hermite (10%). A blend of 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne, the wine spends approximately 18 months in new oak casks and is bottled without fining or filtration.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd100
Built for the long haul, the 2018 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a majestic, noble white that could only come from this incredible, south-facing hillside in Hermitage. Revealing a light gold hue as well as notes of quince, honeyed minerality, toasted spices, orange marmalade, and spring flowers, this deep, rich, and full-bodied white has absorbed just about every trace of its oak élevage and has a concentrated, rich, yet focused and lengthy style. This cuvée had a more oaky, opulent style in the past, but today it comes across as a much more pure, elegant wine while not giving an inch with regard to density, texture, and concentration. As with just about every top Hermitage Blanc today, this offers plenty of immediate pleasure with its pure, fresh, mineral-laced style. Don't discount how much pleasure these wines can offer in their youth and always ignore the "always too young" crowd. This 2018 is going to evolve gracefully and drink brilliantly for 5-7 years, then (maybe) go into a closed, almost oxidative stage, only to emerge after 5-7 years and evolve for decades.
Wine Advocate
- wa92-95
I was presented a prospective sample of the 2018 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc but was cautioned that there's been no decision regarding whether it will be bottled as such or blended into the 2018 Hermitage Blanc. It's rich, round and open, maybe a bit too easy-drinking and fruit-forward at this point, emphasizing ripe peaches and cream. 92-95