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SKU 944009
$1,713.99/case
$571.33/bottle
Tariffs included
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I was blown away by the 2020 Ermitage Le Méal Blanc, which is certainly the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted. From the pure south-facing Méal lieu-dit (which is the warmest terroir on Hermitage), it was vinified and aged 70% demi-muids (10% new) and 30% in stainless steel. Straight-up heavenly notes of white currants, powdered rock, celery seed, honeysuckle, and toasted almonds all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with that rare mix of richness and freshness. Hermitage Blanc doesn’t get any better. I love this today, yet it will certainly benefit from a year or two of bottle age, drink well for 3-5 years, at which point, it’s probably best to wait until a solid 15 years after the vintage.
Marsanne, a venerable white grape variety originating from the Rhône Valley in France, exudes elegance and complexity in its wines. Revered for its ability to age gracefully, Marsanne thrives in the region's granite and limestone soils, yielding wines of remarkable depth and character.
Marsanne wines are renowned for their medium to full body, rich texture, and nuanced flavors of ripe pear, honeydew melon, and nuts, often with hints of floral and herbal notes. With its balanced acidity and subtle minerality, Marsanne offers a sophisticated palate that pairs seamlessly with a variety of dishes, from seafood and poultry to creamy pasta and risotto.
As interest in Rhône varietals grows, Marsanne continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless allure and undeniable charm, embodying the essence of French winemaking tradition.
France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]
The Rhone Valley of southern France is a particularly fascinating wine region, with a history that stretches back to at least six hundred BCE, when the ancient Greeks first began cultivating vines there. The region itself is split into two distinct sub-regions, with the northern sub-region being famed for its production of exceptional Syrah, Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier wines, packed full of interesting character and expressing the terroir found there. The southern sub-region is home to an enormous variety of grapes, and produces red, white and rosé wines, and some of the world's most famous and adored blended wines. The continental climate of the region is ideal for growing grapes, and the winds which blow from the Central Massif help temper the heat in the vineyards, leading to very ripe fruits holding plenty of flavor.
Appellation
Hermitage
Hermitage, a revered appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley, France, stands as a viticultural icon synonymous with Syrah greatness. What makes Hermitage unique is its commanding south-facing granite slopes along the Rhône River, bathed in sunlight and sheltered from the mistral winds. This terroir imparts distinct intensity and concentration to the Syrah grapes, resulting in wines of extraordinary depth and longevity.
Hermitage wines are renowned for their complexity, showcasing dark fruit, black pepper, and a profound minerality. The appellation also allows for a small percentage of white grapes—Marsanne and Roussanne—adding elegance and aromatic richness to the whites produced.
Legendary producers like Chapoutier and Jaboulet have contributed to Hermitage's reputation for excellence, highlighting the appellation's dedication to crafting wines that embody the essence of Syrah and the unique terroir of the Rhône Valley. Exploring Hermitage offers a captivating journey into the pinnacle of Northern Rhône winemaking, where tradition, terroir, and the Syrah grape converge to create wines of unparalleled stature.
JD100pts
Jeb Dunnuck
I was blown away by the 2020 Ermitage Le Méal Blanc, which is certainly the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted. From the pure south-facing Méal lieu-dit (which is the warmest terroir on Hermitage), it was vinified and aged 70% demi-muids (10% new) and 30% in stainless steel. Straight-up heavenly notes of white currants, powdered rock, celery seed, honeysuckle, and toasted almonds all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with that rare mix of richness and freshness. Hermitage Blanc doesn’t get any better. I love this today, yet it will certainly benefit from a year or two of bottle age, drink well for 3-5 years, at which point, it’s probably best to wait until a solid 15 years after the vintage.
JS98pts
James Suckling
Welcome to the dark side of the Hermitage force, complete with billowing smoke and a deep well of blackberry fruit. Staggering concentration and a massive structure that’s nonetheless very precise. Enormous depth and energy at the finish which moves across the palate like a giant wave, which you the drinker are surfing. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
WS97pts
Wine Spectator
A heavenly, stunning white, with all the elements in perfect, delicious alignment. Packs a corpulent well of yellow apple, grilled pineapple, dried lemon peel and chamomile flavors amply supported by well-integrated white tea tannins and elegant, bitter-edged acidity. Pierced with lemon meringue and smoke elements, this never feels heavy -- just stretches out beautifully for miles. Drink now through 2035.
VM97pts
Vinous Media
Full purple color. Deeply pitched kirsch, cassis, licorice, olive, cured meat and floral aromas are sharpened by suggestions of black pepper and smoky minerals. Broad and weighty in the mouth, offering intense bitter cherry, dark berry compote, fruitcake and espresso flavors and a sweet hint of candied violet. Chewy tannins add grip to an impressively long, smoky finish that leaves kirsch, licorice, espresso and floral notes behind. This one is built for the long haul.
WA96pts
Wine Advocate
This relatively warm, early-ripening terroir has yielded a wine that's full-bodied yet with an almost custard-like silky texture. Toasted grain, lemon custard, crushed stone, pear and melon notes mingle easily on the nose of Chapoutier's 2020 Ermitage le Méal Blanc. The long, zesty finish is marked by a slight hint of bitterness that seems to come into this parcellaire from time to time.
DC96pts
Decanter
Almond, quince and a touch of rhubarb at this early stage; you sense the ripeness, but it's not exotically fruity in 2020. The silkiness and glycerol on the palate are quite present, this sample shows plentiful oak, lending matchstick and cashew to the finish. An elegant vintage of Le Méal. Well-balanced, far from massive, not as powerful or concentrated as the past few vintages, this will drink well young and age into the medium term. Not a hugely-long lived Méal I suspect, but a delightful one nonetheless. There is generous alcohol, but it’s not unbalanced.
1.5Ltr
