Wine Advocate December, 2013 Starting out and one of the most prodigious wines in the vintage, the 2009 Ermitage Ex-Voto is locked and loaded, with a massive amount of raw material. Giving up thrilling amounts of plum, licorice, toasted spice and powdered rock-like minerality, it hits the palate with a muscular, full-bodied texture, big tannin and a blockbuster finish. Serious on all accounts, this incredible effort has the fruit and texture to dish out plenty of enjoyment even now, yet really needs short-term cellaring. Two to three decades of evolution should not be out of the question. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 27/12/2012 Another perfect wine, the 2009 Hermitage Ex-Voto is surprisingly supple and more approachable than the two single vineyard 2009 Cote Roties, La Turque and La Landonne. The massive Ex-Voto boasts abundant notes of spring flowers, blackberries, cassis, licorice, graphite and forest floor. Extremely full-bodied with sweet tannin and levels of extravagance and flamboyance that are mind-boggling, it will drink well for 30+ years. No 2008 Ex-Voto was produced, but the 2009 Hermitage Ex-Voto is an amazing wine. Its inky/purple color is accompanied by notes of creosote, white flowers, ink, blackberries, cassis, graphite and chocolate. This huge, flamboyant Hermitage reveals unbelievable purity and intensity. The level of opulence and headiness is off the charts. It should be approachable in 3-4 years and last for half a century or more. Drink: 2014 - 2064 -Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #198 Dec 2011 No 2008 Ex-Voto was made. Another candidate for perfection is the opaque purple-colored 2009 Hermitage Ex-Voto. If the 2007 is the most forward Ex-Voto made to date, the 2009 should be a 50-year wine. Its inky/purple hue is followed by notes of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, blueberries, blackberries, camphor, truffles, roasted meats, subtle barbecue smoke and spring flowers. There is a seamless integration of tannin, acidity, alcohol and wood. A tour de force in winemaking, it will be drinkable early in life because of its abundant fruit, glycerin and opulence, but it will not be near maturity for 10-15 years. Drink: 2011 - 2026 -Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #193 Feb 2011 (100)