2010 M. Chapoutier, Hermitage, Le Meal Rouge 1x750ml

Robert Parker 99+

One of the stars of the retrospective was the 2010 Ermitage le Meal. This classic vintage yielded concentrated, fresh and structured wines and the 2010 has all of these traits in spades. Giving up a massive array of liquid rock, graphite, spring flowers, cassis and black raspberries, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a tight, structured, tannic mouthfeel and bright acidity, all while still showing incredible polish and elegance. It will certainly flirt with perfection at maturity, but is all about minerality and structure at the moment. Give this incredible effort 3-5 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following 2-3 decades. [Jeb Dunnuck, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050

Vinous 95

Deep ruby. Spice-accented black raspberry, cherry-cola, licorice and floral pastilles on the highly perfumed nose and on the palate. Sappy, deeply pitched and chewy on entry, then livelier in the middle, with lively acidity adding lift and bite. Really stains the palate, finishing with superb energy and floral-driven persistence. [Josh Raynolds, 03/01/2013]