Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chapoutier’s much lauded le Meal Blanc is made from Marsanne. The vines, which are more than 50 years old, give low production and high quality, sourced from the Meal hillside, an old fluvioglacial alluvial deposit soil with shingles which contribute to soil warming. The fruit is hand-harvested generally at very good maturity.

The wine has a brilliant, golden yellow color. It is intense on the nose, very mineral, with celery overtones and a slight and well-integrated hint of wood. There is ample attack on the palate, a well-rounded, fine exotic freshness, and roasted almond flavor. Depending on the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2014 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Blanc is a white wine that embodies elegance, complexity, and finesse. Hailing from the renowned Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France, this wine is crafted with meticulous attention to detail by the esteemed producer, Chapoutier.

In the glass, this wine reveals a pale gold color that glistens with brilliance. The aromatics are nothing short of captivating, offering a bouquet that is both vibrant and enticing. Layers of celery seed, brioche, caramelized pineapple, and citrus oil intermingle on the nose, creating a symphony of scents that invite further exploration.

On the palate, the Ermitage le Meal Blanc showcases its full-bodied nature and luxurious texture. It is rich, thick, and voluptuous, coating the mouth with its opulence. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors take center stage, with hints of fig and honey adding depth and complexity. There is a vibrant mineral quality that lifts the flavors, giving them a refreshing and invigorating edge. The finish is massive, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on the palate.

Critics have been unanimous in their praise for this exceptional wine. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a staggering 97 points, likening its style to the hedonistically-styled Cuvee de l'Orée. Vinous also bestowed it with an impressive score of 95 points, highlighting its vibrant minerality and seamless finish. Wine Spectator, on the other hand, praised its rich and enticing style, noting the creamed pear, melon, and apple fruit flavors.

With an alcohol percentage of 14.5%, this wine possesses the perfect balance between power and finesse. Its aging potential is immense, promising enjoyment for the next two to three decades. Whether savored on its own or paired with exquisite cuisine, the 2014 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Blanc is a wine that will leave a lasting impression on any wine enthusiast fortunate enough to experience its splendor.