2013 Ermitage Le Meal
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Tasting notes
Inky ruby. Expressive aromas of fresh boysenberry, licorice, olive and peppery spices are joined by a smoky quality that builds in the glass. Sappy and energetic in the mouth, offering concentrated black and blue fruit flavors complemented by a floral pastille quality. Shows a suave blend of richness and vibrancy, with no rough edges. Smooth tannins come up slowly on the very long, velvety finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The cream of the lineup is the 2013 Hermitage le Méal. Not harvested until October and aged 18 months in 20% new oak, it has killer notes of jammy blackberry, black raspberry, crushed rocks, garrigue and olive tapenade. Possessing that kiss of sweet fruit that’s common from this warmer terroir, this medium to full-bodied Hermitage has gorgeously pure fruit, no hard edges, fine tannin and a great finish. It will cruise for two decades.
Bright purple. A complex, expansive bouquet displays dark fruit preserve, Indian spice, olive and floral pastille scents, with a smoky mineral note adding lift. Offers vibrant black and blue fruit and spicecake flavors and an exotic touch of apricot on the palate, with a jolt of rhubarb lending a bitter edge. Gains sweetness and power on the persistent finish, which features slow-building, supple tannins.
Cask sample. Blackish crimson. Meaty and toasty on the nose. Quite exciting. Cordite top note and well balanced even if in a lower key than many. Just a little green and scrawny. Muscular, yes, but without the serious concentration I’d hope for. (JR)