2012 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal
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Tasting notes
Showing similar to last year, the 2012 Ermitage le Meal is a blockbuster that's about as voluptuous and sexy as Hermitage gets. Loaded with cassis, black raspberry, leather, dried violets and wild herbs, this beauty is full-bodied, has tons of sweet tannin and brilliant purity of fruit. Given its wealth of material, low acidity and incredible texture, it should drink well all of its life.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Dark purple. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet evokes ripe cherry and raspberry, along with complicating notes of candied flowers, incense and Indian spices. Sappy and expressive, with intense black raspberry and floral pastille flavors underscored by juicy acidity. Shows superb focus and lift on the finish, which lingers with outstanding tenacity; suave, supple tannins barely peak through the wine's vibrant fruit.
Bright purple. The nose displays deeply pitched, mineral-laced scents of black raspberry, cherry-cola and violet, plus a hint of star anise. Then rich but surprisingly lively in the mouth, offering sweet red and dark berry liqueur flavors accented by exotic floral pastilles and gingerbread. Lush and creamy on the strikingly long finish, which features suave spicecake and raspberry notes.
Much less nose than Greffieux. A really massive mouthful of tannin that dominates the fruit at present. Massive torso! Quite a bit of alcohol on the end. All future here. (JR)