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2003 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal

Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE
$499. 00
Bottle
$5988.00 Dozen
Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2017-2022)
ABV: 15%
Closure: Cork

Produced from 100% Syrah. Deep purple crimson colour – opaque. Intoxicating nose of plum, dark cherry, blackberry and violets with some liquorice, mineral and cedar overtones. The palate displays explosive power and concentration whilst maintaining a sense of elegance with a mineral infused backbone. Flavours of dark cherry, meat, blackberry and liquorice with hints of smoke and cedar, all supported by an underlying minerality, fill every corner of the mouth. A firm, fine grained dryish tannin structure gives the wine it’s backbone. Tremendous power and depth with an aftertaste that lasts for minutes. Despite being from a relatively warm year in Hermitage, and the wine hitting 15% alcohol this wine still manages to maintain it’s structure and trademark minerality which sets it apart from it’s new world Syrah counterparts. An outstanding example of Hermitage that will easily cellar for 10-15 years.
15% alc

Other Reviews...
There are just over 300 cases of the 2003 Ermitage Le Meal, which tips the scales at 16% natural alcohol. Its dense purple color is accompanied by aromas of pen ink, graphite, scorched earth, creme de cassis, and beef blood. Full-bodied with great intensity, amazing freshness as well as length, this monumental Hermitage should hit its prime in 5-7 years, and last for 3-4 decades.
99 points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate