2013 Ermitage Le Meal

A classic expression of the gorgeous, sunbaked vineyard, the 2013 Ermitage le Méal is as ripe, sexy and voluptuous as they come in the vintage. Black raspberries, jammy blackberries, licorice, toasted spice and crushed flowers are just some of the nuances in the bouquet. Full-bodied, mouth-filling with ripe tannin, plenty of mid-palate density (which can be lacking in some wines in the vintage) and with a great finish, it has the balance and texture to dish out pleasure today, but will have 25 or more years of overall longevity.

Inky ruby. Powerful, deeply pitched dark fruit liqueur, licorice and espresso aromas open slowly, picking up suggestions of floral oils, incense and Indian spices. Broad, concentrated and smoky on the palate, offering sweet cassis and blueberry flavors lifted by a jolt of black pepper. In a masculine, broad-shouldered style for the vintage, finishing with serious power and chewy tannins that lend grip.

2.2 ha, 100% Syrah. This wine is produced with grapes coming from Le Méal hillside (150-200 metres altitude). This slope is composed of high terraces of shingles and clay. Vines are over 50 years old. Yields are again exceptionally low, at around 20 hl/ha. 13.2% but in last 10 years almost 14.5%. A genuine clos (walled vineyard) – most unusual. Broad and quite rich. Very fine tannins are there in profusion. Only a medium charge of fruit. MC says this was always known as a blackberry wine. Very fresh and lively – punchy. Very dry finish. (JR)