2015 Ermitage Ex-voto blanc Guigal

Tasted out of bottle, the 2015 Hermitage Ex Voto Blanc is heavenly stuff that won't hit the market until February. Reminiscent of the 2005 (or is it the 2009?) with its huge, thick, unctuous texture, it's loaded with notions of buttered citrus, white currants, flower oil, and honeycomb, with its 100% new oak élevage completely absorbed by its wealth of fruit. This tour de force in winemaking needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for 3-4 decades.

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 through 2030.

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 hazelnuts layered over intense melon and pear fruit. This full-bodied powerhouse shows great texture, spice and length. Although drinkable now, I've no doubt it will be singing with the cheese course in 15 years.