2010 Ermitage Le Meal

More backward and concentrated than either the '11 or '12, the 2010 Hermitage le Meal reveals an inky purple/blue/black color to go with masculine notes of cassis, black raspberries, wood smoke, pepper and crushed flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, with tons of fruit and texture, as well as good acidity and plenty of firm tannin, it actually can be enjoyed now in a youthful, exuberant sort of way, but deserves 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for two decades after that.

Vivid ruby. Powerful scents of red and dark berry preserves, fruitcake and violet, with complicating notes of minerals and cracked pepper. Lush and creamy but also quite energetic, offering sweet black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and exotic star anise and floral pastille nuances. Shows a suave blend of richness and vivacity and finishes with excellent clarity, spiciness and persistence.

Very dark crimson. Solid and a teensy bit stodgy on the nose.. Lots of density. Something a tiny bit rustic about this. Still quite brutal. Very chewy indeed. (JR)