M. Chapoutier : Le Méal 2021

A sultry red, with a pronounced sanguine, meaty character, this offers a well-seasoned and harmonious mix of earthy, leafy elements matched to supple plum and cherry leather, with eucalyptus and refreshing mint notes. Profoundly minerally, with meaty accents and incense smoke echoing on the long, salty and texturally beautiful finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 10 cases imported.

Very immediate and fruity in style with a balsamic touch. Quite sappy acidity — really intense, in fact. Fairly introverted at the time of tasting, but the tannins are bold and powerful and demand long ageing. The vines are around 50 years old, and the wine is fermented in concrete, then aged in recently used oak barrels for around 14 months.

Hypnotic nose of perfectly ripe wild berries and the most aromatic wild herbs, plus the smoke from autumn bonfires. Already the first impression on the expansive and extremely dynamic palate is extraordinary, then the mineral turbo kicks in and it just blows you away into the incredibly long, bright finish. Limited production. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Cask sample. Blackcurrant, blackberry – very intense, berry-led nose. The palate is rich, with firm tannins that soak the mouth. Dark, brooding fruits and sweet notes. Tightly coiled for now. The acidity is present and needs time to come together. Hard to read, as it is very introverted. (AC)

Red-fruited and discretely marked by cedar and vanilla, the medium-bodied 2021 Ermitage Le Méal shows more moderate flavor concentration than other recent vintages. Polished and refreshing, it concludes with a pleasant finale.

The 2021 Ermitage Le Méal is a solid step up over the Les Greffieux, with more density and richness, although it's still firmly in the more elegant, pretty, medium-bodied style of the vintage. All destemmed and raised in 20% new oak, it has a perfumed nose of black raspberries, sandalwood, white pepper, and spice. I love its overall balance, and while it’s not massive, it shines for its purity and elegance. Drink bottles over the coming 15-20 years.