| 2008-10-29 08:40 |
WA: From the renowned vineyard of Le Meal (more famous for its reds than whites), the stunning 2000 Ermitage Le Meal represents a singular expression of white Hermitage. Offering up honeysuckle characteristics, gobs of fruit and glycerin, and more fat than the Cuvee de l’Oree, it is huge in the mouth, very buttery, and is a total hedonistic turn-on. I suspect additional nuances will develop as it ages. It will provide an enormous mouthful of wine over the next 4-5 years, and should keep for 40-50 years.
These uncompromising offerings from a young genius are not meant for consumers who want something to drink immediately. They are the essence of bio-dynamically farmed vineyard sites cropped incredibly low, given extended fermentations with indigenous yeasts, and rarely touched until they go into the bottle unfined and unfiltered. In most vintages, the wines are not even racked off their lees, which only adds to their natural style. These are truly remarkable wines, but for most readers, patience is the operative rule as they generally need a good 8-10 years to strut their stuff.
Once moribund, over the last 12 years, this firm has become one of the reference points for nearly all the Rhone Valley appellations since the brash yet immensely talented Michel Chapoutier took over in the late eighties. The single vineyard offerings are as good as Rhone Valley wines can be. Moreover, Chapoutier continues to upgrade the quality of those wines offered in more significant quantities than the 500 or so cases each of the single vineyard offerings.
Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900 97 points |
| 2008-10-29 08:40 |
WS: Gorgeous, very ripe Hermitage. Almost late-harvest in style, but with a dry aftertaste. Very floral (jasmine or roses, perhaps), with a touch of dried fig and dried pineapple, offering wet earth and mineral on the harmonious, citrusy finish. Seamless from start to creamy finish. Will age for years. Best from 2004 through 2014. 740 cases made. –PM 94 points |
| 2008-10-29 08:40 |
IWC: Gorgeous, very ripe Hermitage. Almost late-harvest in style, but with a dry aftertaste. Very floral (jasmine or roses, perhaps), with a touch of dried fig and dried pineapple, offering wet earth and mineral on the harmonious, citrusy finish. Seamless from start to creamy finish. Will age for years. Best from 2004 through 2014. 740 cases made. –PM 94 points |