M. Chapoutier : Le Méal 2018

Lush and exotic, with creamed mango, peach and papaya notes that are nonetheless fresh in feel, glistening with verbena, chamomile and honeysuckle accents and backed by a mouthwatering swath of salted butter on the finish. Drink now through 2035. 38 cases imported.

A rich and precious wine that speaks of glistening golden, ripe fruit infused with oriental spice. The opulence persists on the palate, revealing creamy nut butter, blanched almonds and cumin, with the smallest touch of tomato leaf on the finish. A dense and weighty mouthfeel leaves you in no doubt that you've tasted something truly special.

An expansive, lively, textured, driven and harmonious Ermitage. The nose exhibits notes of caramelized apples, wild herbs, preserved lemons and loads of exotic spices. It’s medium-bodied yet it has so much volume and dimension. The concentrated, flavorful core of spices and subtle fruit at the center expands harmoniously on the palate. A gentle structure brings plenty of finesse and delicacy, with a long, focused, dense finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Shimmering gold. Powerful, mineral-accented poached pear and peach nectar scents, along with suggestions of honey, brown butter and pungent flowers. Weighty yet energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet orchard and pit fruit liqueur flavors that are given spine by a core of juicy acidity. Rich yet sharply delineated, showing excellent finishing clarity, velvety texture and strong, mineral-driven persistence.

Time is doing it good, and this cuvée from a very sunny, warm vintage is regaining a lovely breath of freshness. We are therefore raising its score and revising our assessment. The palate is limpid—indeed warm—but carried by noble bitters on the finish.