Ermitage Le Meal Rouge, Maison M. Chapoutier 2018

From one of the warmer terroirs on Hermitage Hill, the 2018 Ermitage Le Méal was all destemmed and vinified in concrete, followed by 18 months in 20% new demi-muids and barrels. It's unquestionably the ripest, most opulent of the single vineyard Hermitage and sports a dense purple/plum color as well as powerful notes of black raspberries, currants, camphor, cured meats, acacia flowers, and violets. Rich, concentrated, and full-bodied, it builds beautifully on the palate, has a ripe, expansive texture, sweet tannins, and a rocking finish. This is one sexy, pleasure-bent Hermitage that can be enjoyed any time over the coming 30 years or more.

Also inky colored, the 2018 Ermitage Le Méal is another monster of a wine that has over-the-top notes of black raspberries, cassis, graphite, new leather, ground pepper, and incense. Massive, rich, full-bodied, and about as opulent as they come, it's another borderline perfect wine in the making.