🏰 【A powerful and full-bodied Hermitage Ex-Voto from E. Guigal, rated 95 points by Robert Parker, offering immense aging potential of 30+ years and a serious, masculine character.】 The 2006 Rhone vintage was excellent for both the North and the South, with a cold, dry winter, mild spring, and sizzling temperatures in June and July. [12] This wine spent 42 months in barrel, yet remains youthful. [7, 8, 13] It is described as more classic in style than the 2007, with a serious, slightly masculine feel. [13, 15, 18, 25] This opaque purple-colored wine reveals notes of black fruits, graphite, ink, and acacia flowers, along with fabulous intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, good acidity, and high but sweet tannins. It is dense and slightly brawny, with a mix of crushed currant and warm fig sauce aromas and flavors, framed by bittersweet cocoa and roasted espresso notes, leading to a dark, anise- and graphite-filled finish. Expect bright violet color, an exotic, highly perfumed bouquet of dark berries, cola, black olive, and intense florality, with chewy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors. [7, 8, 13, 15] 🍴 Best paired with lamb. [9, 12] Also suitable for all types of classic meat dishes such as veal, pork, beef, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, barbecue, and grilled dishes. [31] 🥂 A wine for serious collectors and special occasions, with a drinking window from 2016 to 2041, indicating its long-term aging potential. [12]