Ermitage Le Meal Rouge 2019 M. Chapoutier

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (97)

Chapoutier's 2019 Ermitage le Méal is a standout. Crushed stone and pencil shavings accent blackberry and blueberry aromas, while the full-bodied palate is richly tannic and concentrated, showing plenty of structure to balance the ripe fruit. It almost oozes across the palate, with savory hints of mocha and black olive lingering on the finish.

James Suckling (98)

At first very leathery and animal in the nose, then the smoke wafts in and is followed by candied-orange, tobacco-leaf and coffee notes. Very concentrated, but focused and elegant for this appellation. Invigorating freshness at the long, stony finish. So dynamic! From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

BOW (8.75)

Jancis Robinson (17.50)

100% Syrah. Cask sample.
Tasted at the domaine. Cedar on the nose is then supported by powerful ripe and ferrous tannins – huge intensity and the oak is till integrating. More of that iron and bloody notes on the palate, big, dense and currently very tight indeed. But the generous intense fruit should shine through the oak soon (well in a few years!).