2023 Ermitage Le Meal
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Tasting notes
In comparison to the 2022, the 2023 Ermitage Le Méal is markedly different in style. Revealing a harmonious, lively bouquet of flowers, dark wild berries, cassis, violet and grapefruit, it’s medium- to full-bodied, dense and powerful, supported by racy acidity and a fleshy core of fruit framed by vibrant, velvety tannins, concluding with a long, ethereal and perfumed finish. Sourced from a parcel located at the foot of Le Méal on sedimentary soils and alluvial deposits, 80% of the wine matured in large barrels and 20% was in smaller barrels, with around 15% new oak used for the large-format barrels.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A riveting perfume of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with flowery incense, ground pepper, violets, and graphite emerges from the 2023 Ermitage Le Méal, which comes from the warmest terroir on Hermitage. Deep purple-hued, it's full-bodied and has a concentrated, pure, layered mouthfeel, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It plays in the more supple style of the vintage, yet this brings incredible density, depth, balance, and length. Drink 2028-2048.
The 2023 Ermitage Le Méal kicks off with an enticing floral lift, neatly mingling rose petal and fresh violet scents. Crushed rocks, black cherry, pencil shaving and peppery dimensions complete the aromatic picture. Framed by ripe tannins, the 2023 is a full-bodied, tightly structured Le Méal that will benefit from further élevage, gaining more overall substance, harmony and length.
A 2-ha parcel of old Marsanne vines – more than 50 years old – planted on alluvial soils with large pebbles. Certified organic and biodynamic. Cask sample. Smells wonderfully golden and spicy, ripe yellow plums, nutty and savoury but with a floral note as it opens. More savoury/spicy and less perfumed than the Hermitage de L'Orée. More tension and perceived acidity, again that salty aftertaste that brings the freshness. Creamy, mealy but not overly oaky. A touch more concentration than in the de L'Orée. (JH)