Guigal Ex Voto Hermitage: 100% Syrah, 100% Perfection
Few producers in the Rhône command the level of respect—and obsession—that the E. Guigal family has built over decades. Known for meticulous vineyard management, extended élevage, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality, Guigal consistently delivers wines that sit at the very top of the region.
At the pinnacle of their Hermitage lineup sits Ex Voto—a cuvée reserved only for vintages where fruit from their most prized parcels reaches an exceptional level. This is not an every-year release. It is a statement wine, produced with intention, patience, and restraint.
We’re offering original wood case (OWC) 6-packs of both the 2009 and 2010 vintages, two of the most celebrated releases in the wine’s history—and notably, the only two vintages of Ex Voto to receive 100-point scores from Robert Parker since the wine debuted in 2001.
👉 Explore the full Rhône collection here: Shop All Rhône Wines
👉 Discover more from this producer: Guigal Collection Page
What Makes Ex Voto So Special?
Ex Voto is sourced from just ~2.2 hectares of vineyards on the Hermitage hill, specifically from the legendary lieux-dits of Bessards and Greffieux. These steep, granite-laced sites are widely considered among the finest for Syrah anywhere in the world.
The wine is:
- 100% Syrah
- Produced in extremely limited quantities
- Aged extensively to maximize structure and longevity
- Built for both immediate impact and decades of evolution
This is Hermitage at its most focused, powerful, and collectible.
2009 vs 2010: Two Icons, Two Personalities
2009 E. Guigal Ex Voto Hermitage Rouge (RP100)
👉 View the case: 2009 Ex Voto OWC 6-Pack
The 2009 is rich, opulent, and already showing beautifully. This is the more hedonistic of the two vintages, offering:
- Black raspberry, plum, and cassis
- Layers of licorice, spice, and crushed rock
- A full-bodied, velvety texture with incredible depth
This is the vintage to open sooner—though it will continue to evolve gracefully for decades.
2010 E. Guigal Ex Voto Hermitage Rouge (RP100)
👉 View the case: 2010 Ex Voto OWC 6-Pack
The 2010 is all about precision and structure. Often considered the more “classic” vintage, it delivers:
- Cassis, graphite, smoke, and mineral intensity
- Tighter structure with remarkable balance
- A long, powerful finish built for extended aging
If the 2009 is seductive today, the 2010 is the long-term play.
Scarcity & Market Position
Original wood cases of Ex Voto are rarely seen on the market—especially from top vintages like 2009 and 2010. These wines are:
- Produced in tiny quantities
- Held tightly in private collections
- Increasingly difficult to source in OWC format
At present, availability in the U.S. is extremely limited, particularly for full, pristine cases.
For collectors, this is exactly the kind of wine that checks every box: producer pedigree, perfect scores, vineyard pedigree, and long-term appreciation potential.
Why Collect Guigal Ex Voto?
- Proven track record from one of the Rhône’s most respected producers
- 100-point pedigree across both vintages
- Tiny production from elite vineyard sites
- Age-worthy structure with decades of upside
- Strong global demand among serious collectors
This is not just a great bottle—it’s a cornerstone piece for any serious Rhône collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Guigal Ex Voto?
Ex Voto is a top-tier Hermitage from E. Guigal, made only in exceptional vintages using fruit from their best vineyard parcels. It represents the pinnacle of their Syrah production outside of their Côte-Rôtie “La La” wines.
How rare are the 2009 and 2010 vintages?
Both vintages are extremely limited and highly sought after, especially in original wood cases. These are among the most collectible Rhône wines produced in the last 25 years.
Which vintage should I choose—2009 or 2010?
- Choose 2009 if you want a richer, more immediately expressive wine
- Choose 2010 if you prefer structure, precision, and long-term aging potential
Many collectors opt for both to cover both drinking windows.
How long can these wines age?
Both vintages can age for 30+ years under proper storage conditions, with the 2010 expected to have slightly longer longevity.
Are these good investment wines?
Yes—top Hermitage from elite producers like Guigal, especially with perfect scores and limited production, has historically shown strong appreciation over time.
What does “OWC” mean?
OWC stands for Original Wood Case, meaning the wines are stored and delivered in their original wooden box from the producer—highly desirable for collectors.