Classification | Cru Classe |
Type | Red |
Brand | Chapoutier |
Vintage | 2004 |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone |
Grape | Syrah/Shiraz |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Perfect |
Drinkable | -2025 |
Stock | 0 |
All of the single vineyard Ermitages turned out as good as I had hoped, possibly even better. In short they are among the strongest wines one could hope for in this vintage. The 2004 Ermitage Le Meal boasts rich creme de cassis fruit, medium to full body, loads of licorice, moderate tannin, and good acidity. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15-16 years.
Has fine purity for the vintage, with silky-textured red cherry, raspberry and plum fruit flavors intertwined with mineral, light cocoa and floral notes. Gains weight through the lengthy finish.
Le Méal is said to be the warmest terroir on the Hermitage hill, and thus it is no surprise that this bottling fared the best in the challenging 2004 vintage. Flamboyant, creamy waves of raspberry fruit flood the palate, bringing hints of meat, smoke and pepper along for the ride and developing lovely soft tannins on the caressing finish.