Guigal Ermitage Rouge Ex Voto 2018

98 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Last of the 2018s, the 2018 Hermitage Ex Voto shows a riper, more sunny profile and has a killer nose of ripe blackberries, cassis, spice, game, woodsmoke, and bacon fat. The tannins from Hermitage always have a different feel from the Côte Rôtie releases, and this is full-bodied, with a refined, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful structure, and a great finish. The balance, as well as the purity, are just about off the charts. This is another magical 2018 from this team that flirts with perfection. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and enjoy over the following 30 years or more. Drink: 2030-2060. (12/15/22)"

98 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Inky ruby color. Ripe black and blue fruits, Moroccan spices, smoky bacon, incense, olive, candied flowers and licorice on the hugely perfumed nose. Alluringly sweet and penetrating in the mouth, offering palate-staining, mineral-driven cherry, blackberry, floral pastille and exotic spice flavors that are underscored by a core of juicy acidity. Lingers with outstanding tenacity on the youthfully tannic, almost endless finish, which leaves behind sappy dark berry, spice and floral notes. Drink: 2033-2046. (Dec 2022)"

95-97 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Still in barrel, the 2018 Ermitage Ex Voto continues to impress. Brown sugar notes accent cherries and raspberries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is lush and expansive, delivering waves of pleasure on the mid-palate before ending long and silky. Drink: 2025-2040. (Feb 2022)"

96 points James Suckling: "Intense aromas of cedar, bark, white smoke, blackberries and plums. Full-bodied and deep. So much here. Fine, velvety tannins are coated in layers of black fruit and berries with tar and gravel undertones. Dense and deep with real intensity. Superb. 42 months in barrel. This needs time for the fruit, tannins and wood to integrate but will age wonderfully. Best after 2026. (8/25/22)"