"Opaque ruby. A complex bouquet offers blackberry, cherry compote, potpourri and apricot. Deeply pitched black and blue fruits on the palate, along with suggestions of allspice and exotic fruits. Shuts down with air and shows firm tannins and strong mineral spine, suggesting that this wine will repay patience. The finish is taut and focused, with lingering notes of bitter licorice and mulberry and impressive persistence." -Josh Raynolds
Robert Parker
RP94
"Similar in style to the 2011, yet with more tannin, the 2009 Hermitage le Meal is a sexy, plump, full-bodied beauty that gives up tons of black raspberries, blackberries, dried herbs, leather, chocolate and licorice aromas and flavors. Big, mouth filling, exuberant and ripe, there's a touch of rusticity to the tannin, but it certainly has a wealth of raw material. Give bottles another 2-3 years and drink over the following 20-25 years."
Wine Spectator
WS95
"Dense, but very pure, delivering a torrent of bitter cherry, plum preserves and cassis flavors that rush along, while hints of violet, briar and singed apple wood fill in the background. The long and authoritative finish pulls everything together. This M. Chapoutier-owned estate continues to improve."
