Inky ruby. Pungent aromas of black currant, blueberry, licorice pastille and smoky minerals are complemented by a suave floral nuance. Sharply delineated and appealingly sweet, offering energetic black and blue fruit flavors and suggestions of candied violet and spicecake. Finishes impressively long and silky, delivering gentle tannic grip, building sweetness and a resonating mineral note that adds vibrancy and cut. There will be no Ex-Voto bottling from 2014, so all of that fruit went into this wine, which shows a distinctly elegant character for an Hermitage.

There was no Ex Voto produced in 2014, so the 2014 Hermitage has all the estate Hermitage grapes, which I'm sure is why it has another level of depth and density. Offering a perfumed bouquet of cassis, black currants, crushed rocks, and a touch of graphite, it has a Burgundian elegance and purity on the palate, with medium body, silky tannins, and a great finish. It will drink well for 10-15 years