Chapoutier Ermitage 'Le Meal' Rouge 2019

99 POINTS: Jeb Dunnuck
98 POINTS: James Suckling
97+ POINTS: Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

14%Abv "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."
— 97+ Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

"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. Drinkable now, but best from 2025."
— 98 Points, James Suckling

"Massive red and black fruits, smoked meats, graphite, asphalt, licorice, and ground pepper notes all soar from the 2019 Ermitage Le Méal, which is 100% Syrah from the more loess soils and full-south facing Méal lieu-dit. This puppy is locked and loaded on the palate, with a huge, rich, mouthfilling style, ripe tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish."
— 99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

ABV: 14.5%