M. Chapoutier "Ermitage Le Meal" Blanc 2000
(Northern Rhone, France) - [WA 98] [VM 96] [WS 94]

About the Winery:
The name Chapoutier occupies a storied place in the history of the Rhône Valley, beginning 1808, when the family first settled in the Rhône Valley. Throughout the 19^th century and well into the next, M. CHAPOUTIER and its eponymous winery grew steadily, producing wine from esteemed vineyard sites such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, 1990 was a watershed moment for the winery, with the arrival of Michel Chapoutier. Under his leadership, the maverick winemaker established bold initiatives. For example, the introduction of Single Vineyard Selection that express the unique terroir of a site, or wine labels embossed in braille for the visually impaired. In each instance, Michel’s decisions were, and continue to be, driven by a deep respect for the soil, climate, and his fellow human beings.

About this Wine:
The grapes producing “Le Méal” come from the Méal hillside. This is an old fluvioglacial alluvial deposit soil with shingles which contribute to the soil warming. The vines (more than 50 years old) give low production and guarantee high quality.

Grapes are hand-harvested at maturity. After pressing, the must is cold-settling for between 24 and 48 hours. About 50% of the volume is vinified in big new wooden barrels (600 liters), the others ferment in vats.

Before bottling, the wine is aged in casks, with stirrings of the lees, and is checked by frequent tastings. This is organoleptic criteria which determine the length of the wooded period. In general, bottling happens from 10 to 12 months after harvesting.

100% Marsanne

13.5% ABBV

Tasting Notes:
Intense golden yellow, with hints of green and gold. The nose is very intense with hot shingles, toffee, very ripe, fruity lemon with floral overtones of acacia and hawthorn. The palate has a well-rounded start and is full bodied, very complex with overtones of ripe fruits, spices and roasting. Very long in the mouth with a fresh final note.

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Bigger and richer than the '01, the sensational 2000 Ermitage le Meal Blanc knocks it out of the park with its buttered peach, wood smoke, orange liqueur, honey and hazelnut-driven bouquet. A wine that should make any Hermitage Blanc lover's knees weak, this full-bodied, voluptuous and concentrated effort has fabulous purity and a blockbuster finish. Totally hedonistic, it still has another 2-3 decades of longevity." – Jeb Dunnuck (Sep 2015)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"Light, bright gold. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes candied citrus fruits, nectarine, honeysuckle and beeswax, with a bright mineral overtone. Juicy, precise and deeply concentrated, offering fresh orchard fruit flavors and suggestions of bitter citrus pith and chalky minerals. Gains weight and power with air while maintaining its vivacity and finishes with outstanding clarity, thrust and persistence." – Josh Raynolds (Mar 2013)

94 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"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." (Aug 2002)