{"product_id":"m-chapoutier-ermitage-le-meal-blanc-2000-northern-rhone-france-wa-98-vm-96-ws-94","title":"M. Chapoutier \"Ermitage Le Meal\" Blanc 2000 (Northern Rhone, France) - [WA 98] [VM 96] [WS 94]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name Chapoutier occupies a storied place in the history of the Rhône Valley, beginning 1808, when the family first settled in the Rhône Valley.\u003cspan\u003e Throughout the 19\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The vines (more than 50 years old) give low production and guarantee high quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrapes are hand-harvested at maturity. After pressing, the must is cold-settling for \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ebetween 24 and 48 hours. About 50% of the volume is vinified in big new wooden barrels (600 liters), the others ferment in vats.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Marsanne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13.5% ABBV\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntense 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator: \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"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)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":53506225537389,"sku":null,"price":419.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/meal.png?v=1783091248","url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/products\/m-chapoutier-ermitage-le-meal-blanc-2000-northern-rhone-france-wa-98-vm-96-ws-94","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}