Ermitage Le Meal Rouge, Maison M. Chapoutier 2019

The inky hued 2019 Ermitage Le Méal offers up a classic, kaleidoscope-like bouquet of red and black fruits, smoked meats, crushed stone, spice, and burning embers. Full-bodied, ripe, and opulent, it has a wonderful sense of balance, incredible concentration, and one hell of a great finish. This cuvée comes from the middle of Hermitage Hill and the more alluvial and loess soils of the Méal lieu-dit. It was all destemmed and spent 18 months in a mix of barrels and demi-muids, with 20% being new.

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.

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.