Ermitage Le Meal Rouge 2006 Chapoutier

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (94)

From a warm micro-climate, Le Meal, (Michel Chapoutier says that the full phenolic maturity of the Syrah grapes at Le Meal can be achieved three weeks earlier than the grapes grown on the top of the appellation in the l’Ermite vineyard. Keep in mind that these two areas are within a ten minute walk of each other. This explains the French obsession with terroir, and how micro-climates can vary so dramatically.), the 2006 Ermitage Le Meal exhibits surprisingly tart acidity for a wine from such a warm site, a dense purple color, and sweet notes of boysenberries, black raspberries, blackberries, lead pencil shavings, pain grille, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and lighter than Les Greffieux, it is tight and closed at present, but it displays the potential for 20-25 years of evolution.

Winespectator (96)

Superdense but really fresh, with a wild array of zesty blackberry, loganberry, linzer torte and briar notes laid over perfectly embedded tannins. Long and pure through the finish, with lots of minerality waiting in reserve. Great length.

BOW (8.50)