2012 Ermitage Le Meal
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
I loved the 2012 Hermitage le Meal Estate last year on release, and I loved it this year as well. Its inky color is followed by terrific notes of black raspberries (which I almost always find in wines from le Meal), cassis, graphite, wood smoke and violets. These give way to a full-bodied Hermitage that has beautiful purity of fruit, a streak of vibrant acidity, sweet tannin, and a great finish, all of which will allow it to drink nicely for 15-20 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Opaque ruby. Deeply pitched cherry and blackcurrant aromas, with hints of candied plum and licorice in the background. Shows brighter red fruits on the palate, with a sexy floral pastille note building slowly in the glass. Blends concentration and vivacity deftly, showing no discernible rough edges. Closes with emphatic spicy thrust and excellent focus and length, leaving black raspberry and violet pastille notes behind.
Inky purple. Exotic, expansive aromas of candied plum, blueberry and passion fruit, with an intense floral overtone. Lush, sweet and densely packed, with bright acidity providing lift and freshness to palate-staining dark fruit compote and floral pastille flavors. Finishes long and gently tannic, with a hint of smoky Indian spices and superb clarity. You could scent a room with this stuff.
Syrah, in oak barrels for 14 to 18 months. Galets roulés. Dark purple. Sample is a little tired on the nose. Massive grip on the palate but solid and meaty. Lots of ambition here. (JR)