2006 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal Blanc
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Just as good as the de l’Orée, but in a very different style, the medium gold-hued 2006 Ermitage Le Méal Blanc has a complex, layered perfume of honeysuckle, orange blossom, celery seed, caramelized stone fruits, and acacia flowers. Just about pure perfection on the palate, it’s full-bodied, deep, and incredibly concentrated, with a stacked mid-palate, an unctuous, opulent texture, and a gorgeous finish. This is another magical Hermitage Blanc from the genius of Michel Chapoutier. Don’t miss it.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Easily the most exuberant and over the top of the three Ermitage Blanc cuvees, the 2006 Ermitage le Meal Blanc is still light gold in color and delivers a pedal-to-the-metal style in its honeysuckle, orange blossom, caramelized stone fruits, celery seed and even a hint of garlic. Deep, full-bodied, layered and seamless on the palate, it’s another wine that’s drinking at point today, yet will keep for another 2-3 decades.
Medium gold. Deep, pungent aromas of honey, apricot pit and brown sugar, with a subtle lemon rind quality adding vivacity. Rich and fleshy, with nervy acidity lifting the ripe pit fruit and poached pear flavors. Finishes with a jolt of anise. This is very complex.
Easily the most exuberant and over the top of the three Ermitage Blanc cuvees, the 2006 Ermitage le Meal Blanc is still light gold in color and delivers a pedal-to-the-metal style in its honeysuckle, orange blossom, caramelized stone fruits, celery seed and even a hint of garlic. Deep, full-bodied, layered and seamless on the palate, it’s another wine that’s drinking at point today, yet will keep for another 2-3 decades. Mar 2017, www.robertparker.com