M. Chapoutier, Hermitage, Le Meal Rouge 2018

Glass-staining ruby. Displays penetrating aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, incense, vanilla, potpourri and smoky minerals, which pick up an exotic spice accent as the wine stretches out. Sappy and seamless on the palate, displaying sharp delineation to its sappy, mineral-inflected black raspberry, boysenberry, candied violet and spicecake flavors. Shows suave, graceful character for the vintage and finishes extremely long and appealingly sweet, with discreet tannins framing lingering blue fruit liqueur and floral notes.

• Drinking Window: 2027 - 2038
• Reviewer Name: Josh Raynolds
• Review Date: December 2022