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2010 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Syrah
Syrah: 1500ml
$314.99
about this wine:
As I have written many times, all of these wines are produced from
rigidly cultivated, bio-dynamically managed vineyards. That has been the
rule since Michel Chapoutier first took over this firm in the late
1980s. Now, with over 20 years of biodynamic viticulture under his belt,
Chapoutier remains committed to this rather radical style of organic
farming. He believes the effect is to reduce rot in damp, rainy
vintages. Moreover, he has observed that after 10 to 15 years of
biodynamic farming, the natural acids tend to be more vivid and the
overall pH of the soils (as well as the wines) has dropped.
Controversial, outspoken and brutally candid, Chapoutier, who suffers no
fools, continues to admirably produce wines that are among the finest
in the world and potentially the longest lived. Refusing to acidify,
chaptalize, or touch the wines in any way, he clearly wants every wine
to capture the very essence of its terroir and vintage personality. In
this, he succeeds remarkably. --- Robert Parker
points awarded:
WA 9999 points,
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2012
From one of the warmest sites on the Hill of Hermitage, the 2010 Ermitage Le Meal begs comparison with the famed Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle (which is made primarily from the same parcel). The wine's huge color, which resembles vintage port, is followed by sumptuous notes of steak au poivre, creme de cassis, blackberries, acacia flowers and scorched earth. Unctuously textured, full-bodied, incredibly refined and precise with amazing intensity as well as a finish that lasts nearly 60 seconds, this colossal effort is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted from Le Meal. It should hit its peak in 15 years and last for 50 or more. -Robert Parker

