The 2012 Hermitage Ex Voto (which I suspect won’t be produced again until 2015) was bottled in January of this year and it’s a big, voluptuous beauty that’s loaded with fruit and texture. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, crushed rocks and a touch of beef blood all soar from the glass of this beauty, which hits the palate with a wealth of sweet fruit, building, ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Liquid Viagra would suffice as a descriptor for this wine, and while it’s already impossible to resist today, it will age effortlessly for 25 or more years.

Tightly focused and still a touch closed, with roasted alder and juniper notes holding the core of crushed plum and raspberry fruit flavors in check for now. There's a lovely bolt of iron through the finish, along with dried anise and fruitcake tones, while energetic acidity adds length and class to the overall feel. Should settle in nicely with a touch more cellaring, as there's tons of fruit in reserve here. A beauty. Best from 2018 through 2035. 45 cases imported.

With richer, creamier and more spicy aromas, this has a very taut, composed and more reserved feel on the nose and palate than many. I love the fine and powdery tannin texture, the heaps of detail and the charming pepper and spice character. A compressed and elegant and more formal style of syrah. This is a very classy wine with great depth and elegance. The impression is of a precise, long and even wine, just starting out on a long ride. Best from 2018 and for more than a decade thereafter.

The 2012 Hermitage Ex Voto (which I suspect won't be produced again until 2015) was bottled in January of this year and it's a big, voluptuous beauty that's loaded with fruit and texture. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, crushed rocks and a touch of beef blood all soar from the glass of this beauty, which hits the palate with a wealth of sweet fruit, building, ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Liquid Viagra would suffice as a descriptor for this wine, and while it's already impossible to resist today, it will age effortlessly for 25 or more years.