James Suckling - February 16, 2021
Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020
Abruzzo
March 02, 2026 - Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is the wine that put Abruzzo on the map, becoming the iconic benchmark for the region’s potential. In 2000, this wine was awarded "Best Wine in Italy" by Gambero Rosso, marking the first time a Montepulciano had received this distinction, and it has also earned 14 consecutive Tre Bicchieri awards. Villa Gemma showcases the extraordinary depth and complexity of Montepulciano from this area. Rich, ripe fruit is complemented by layers of black and dried fruits, spices, and mineral notes. In a word, this wine is legendary.
James Suckling - July 26, 2025 "Deep wine with intense aromas of 70% chocolate, smoky wood and earthy oak bark. Bramble fruits also emerge. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows rich licorice flavors on the palate, complemented…
E. Guigal Ermitage Ex-Voto Rouge 2019
Hermitage
March 01, 2026 - E. Guigal Ermitage Ex-Voto represents the fulfillment of a longtime dream of Marcel Guigal’s to 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 exceptional vineyard parcels on this legendary site. The quality of the intense old-vine fruit is quite special, but given the Guigal’s already strong work in Hermitage, they decided to only release an Ex-Voto red or white when the wine is utterly exceptional and clearly superior to their appellation bottlings.
Wine Spectator - March 31, 2024 "This blockbuster is stunning in power and complexity. Thick, dark, concentrated, and chewy, with flavors of cherry preserves, salted black licorice and macerated plum, forming a brooding, well-meshed core. Spice,…
Wine Advocate - November 20, 2025 "The 2019 Ermitage Ex Voto is structured and perfumed quite differently from the La-La cuvées. It opens with aromas of oak, clove, spices and gentian. Full-bodied, dense and firmly built,…
James Suckling - May 24, 2023 "Enormously ripe and dense this is an imposing Hermitage with huge black fruit character, wrapped around the very compact tannic core. Some licorice, bitter chocolate and roasted coffee beans at…
Wine Enthusiast - July 23, 2024
Wine Spectator - September 30, 2024 "Sleek and harmonious, with a subtle thread of minerally chalk and smoke notes underscoring the ripe Gala apple, nectarine, golden raisin and toast point flavors. Creamy, with a finely detailed…
