Vivid ruby. Roomfilling bouquet evokes red berry liqueur, blueberry, potpourri, smoky minerals and Moroccan spices. Impressively concentrated black and blue fruit flavors reach every corner of the palate, with tangy minerals and spices adding energy and refreshing bite. The fruit gains strength with air and dominates the long, sappy finish. Built for the long haul, but the fruit is seductive enough to allow for early enjoyment.

Made in the style of the 2010, the massive 2005 Hermitage Ex Voto offers searing minerality and crushed-rock nuances as well as tons of black raspberries, licorice, toasted spice and charcoal. Full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, with a wall of sweet tannin, this behemoth nevertheless stays nicely focused, pure and classic on the finish. Give it another 4-5 years and enjoy bottles over the following 30-40 years.