Ermitage Ex Voto 2003 (75 CL)

Coming from a freakishly hot vintage, this bottle of 2003 Hermitage Ex Voto Blanc was clearly advanced and evolved aromatically, with a deeper gold color and mature notes of caramel, wood smoke, honeyed minerality and sautéed fruits. Possibly in a closed phase, or just evolved, it has an incredibly rich, unctuous and concentrated palate, so it’s in no danger of falling apart. I would opt to hold bottles for a few years, but if this phase continues, drink up. (JD, 12/2016)