E. Guigal

Ermitage Ex Voto Rouge 2018

Hermitage

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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 2001 vintage was the first release of this estate-bottled Hermitage red and white. 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.

VINEYARD

This 100% Syrah wine, produced from hillside fruit, represents the best of the appellation. The Guigals own four exceptional vineyard parcels on this legendary site featuring intense, old-vine fruit. The grapes come from four steepsloped vineyards: Bessards (30%), Greffieux (30%), L’Hermite (20%), and Murets (20%). The vines at these sites average 50-90 years in age, and the soil types range from clay to granite to alluvial.

WINEMAKING

The 100% Syrah wine undergoes a 4-week maceration and pump-overs, followed by extended barrel aging for 42 months in new French oak. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, creating a wine that represents the pinnacle of the appellation, with exceptional concentration and great potential longevity.

VINTAGE

2018 is now confirmed as one of the truly great vintages in the Northern Rhône valley. Following a very wet Spring, Summer was dry and hot – the warmest vintage since 2003. Harvest was quick and early, starting on the last day of August and finishing in Côte Rôtie on September 20th. Yields were slightly above average, but the fruit was uniformly ripe, with some vineyards in Côte Rôtie coming in at 15o potential. Due to the heat, the vineyards on the elevated slopes fared best, and Cote Rotie, Hermitage, and the granitic-terraced sites in Saint-Joseph and Crozes excelling. The red wines are dense and concentrated, with exceptionally deep color and rich tannins, similar to 2015 but with even more intensity. The whites are rich, juicy, and succulent.

TASTING NOTE

Deep dark ruby colour with mauve tints. The nose opens to black fruits, leather, liquorice, coffee flavour and oriental spices. The palate begins with a powerful attack with richness and an important tannic structure. This wine expression fully the terroir trough its finesse and the strength of its tannins. Overally, a wine with great ageing potential, structured and concentrated with a rare intensity of flavour and colour.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Syrah

Appellation

Hermitage

Farming

Guigal uses only environmentally sustainable methods of pest, disease and weed control. They work to conserve biological diversity, water resources, soils and ecosystems on their land. Packaging materials are recyclable or biodegradable. Lastly, they are committed to achieving a zero waste target.

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$650

Trade Materials

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