Ermitage Le Meal Rouge 2016 Chapoutier

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (97)

Attractively bright and fresh on the nose, the 2016 Ermitage le Meal is full-bodied yet creamy and supple in feel. Because of its greater level of ripeness, Chapoutier explains that it's aged in 50% demi-muids to lessen the oak influence, and indeed the wine isn't cedary at all. Espresso and mocha shadings give a savory cast to the bold blackberry fruit, while the texture turns to pure velvet on the long finish.

James Suckling (97)

My pick of the Chapoutier litter, this has excelled in 2016. Focused, lemon and lime-peel aromas, as well as peaches, apple blossom and wet stones. The palate offers a scintillatingly intense and concentrated array of citrus and stone fruit. Full of power and very long with great acidity. A real thrill. From organically grown grapes.

BOW (9)