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 2018 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Blanc is a truly exceptional white wine hailing from the renowned Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. This wine showcases the Marsanne varietal, known for producing rich and complex white wines.

In the glass, this wine displays a shimmering gold color, inviting you to explore its aromatic delights. The nose is immediately captivated by powerful notes of orange blossom, candied tangerines, and flower oil. As you delve deeper, layers of honey, brown butter, and pungent flowers emerge, adding depth and complexity.

On the palate, the 2018 Ermitage le Meal Blanc is weighty yet energetic, showcasing alluringly sweet orchard and pit fruit liqueur flavors. A core of juicy acidity provides structure and balance, while velvety texture and strong mineral-driven persistence leave a lasting impression. This wine expands beautifully on the palate, revealing its full-bodied nature while maintaining purity and precision.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine an impressive score of 98 points, praising its power, balance, and chiseled character. He recommends drinking this blockbuster white over the next two decades or more, allowing it to evolve and reveal even more complexity with time.

Vinous, another respected publication, awarded the 2018 Ermitage le Meal Blanc a score of 96 points. Their tasting note highlights the wine's mineral-accented poached pear and peach nectar scents, along with hints of honey and brown butter. The wine's rich yet sharply delineated profile and strong, mineral-driven persistence make it a standout.

Wine Spectator was equally enamored with this wine, awarding it a score of 97 points. They describe it as lush and exotic, with creamy mango, peach, and papaya notes that maintain freshness. Delicate verbena, chamomile, and honeysuckle accents add a touch of elegance, while a mouthwatering swath of salted butter on the finish leaves a lasting impression.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2018 Ermitage le Meal Blanc an impressive score of 99 points, highlighting its complexity and richness. Notes of mixed citrus, pineapple, pear, and melon intertwine with structural elements of crushed stone. The wine's ample weight and vibrant finish further contribute to its overall excellence.

With its exceptional reviews and undeniable quality, the 2018 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Blanc is a white wine that demands attention. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further development, this wine promises an unforgettable experience for any wine enthusiast.