M. Chapoutier : Le Méal 2014

Fleshy and broad in feel, with mulberry and blackberry fruit showing a steeped edge, accented by hints of sage, anise and bramble. Reveals a light loamy echo through the finish, which will need some time to unwind fully. Best from 2018 through 2031. 12 cases imported.

Cask sample. Rich soils and expression. Solid, rich and hugely friendly. Exuberant. But denser than the Greffieux. (JR)

Tasted before bottling. Very ripe red fruit, slightly jammy yet fresh; a silky palate where the sunny character of the slope clearly comes through, creamy texture, a slightly saline finish for even more flavor, and a cocoa-tinged finish.

Woody, bacon-like and smoky nose: the oak dominates a little at first. The juice stays true, with a sappy texture, no excess, concentrated in finesse. The tannins are slightly out of step, but the juice shows beautiful length.

The sweetly fruited, downright sexy 2014 Ermitage Le Méal offers plenty of raspberry jam, toasted bread, and floral notes in a ripe, expansive, mouth-filling style. Like all the wines here, the tannin quality is incredible. You can drink this today with ample pleasure, but it will keep for two decades.