Wine Advisor
M. Chapoutier, Ermitage Le Meal Blanc 2014
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
Similar in style to the hedonistically-styled Cuvee de l’Orée (especially when compared to the structured, mineral-laced l’Ermite), the 2014 Ermitage le Méal Blanc (aged in 10% new demi-muids) offers layers of celery seed, brioche, caramelized pineapple and citrus oil on the nose. Thick, rich, voluptuous and full bodied with a massive finish, drink this sensational white anytime over the coming two to three decades.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Vivid yellow-gold. Ripe citrus and pit fruits on the nose, along with suggestions of honey, chamomile and musky flowers. Deeply concentrated but surprisingly lively as well, offering palate-coating tangerine, pear nectar, sweet butter and fennel flavors underscored and lifted by a vein of zesty minerality. Shows impressive clarity and powerful thrust on a very long, broad finish that echoes the pear and floral notes.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Pale gold. Vibrant, minerally and sharply focused on the highly perfumed nose, displaying an array of ripe citrus and orchard fruit aromas and deeper fig and honey qualities. Sappy and incisive on the palate; a vibrant mineral quality gives lift to the flavors of bitter pear skin, tangerine and honeysuckle. Deftly melds power and finesse, the mineral and floral component dominating the very long, seamless finish.
About the Producer
Founded in 1808, M. Chapoutier owns 175 hectares of vines in five appellations in the Rhone Valley and is now run by the energetic and brilliant Michel Chapoutier. Since Michel started running the estate, the quality of the winemaking has improved very quickly and the philosophy of winemaking has changed considerably. Michel Chapoutier's achievements caused an instant sensation in the winemaking world and he completely changed the way Chapoutier wines were made and the winemaking process, eventually making wines to rival those made by Marcel Guigal, one of the best winemakers in the Rhone Valley. The vineyards of Château Sapoutier range from the Rhone Valley to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a number of quality vineyards planted with Syrah, Grenache, Marsanne, Roussanne and other major grape varieties. The winery is "mono-varietal" (i.e. making wines from a single variety), for example, all Syrah for the Châteauneuf-du-Rotie wines, all Marsanne for the Hermitage whites and all Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines. The wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are all Grenache. Château Sapoutier has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of its wines, even though each single vineyard produces far more than the 500 cases of fine wine. Since 1989, Château Sapoutier has been using biodynamic farming and winemaking methods with the aim of producing wines that are the purest and closest to the natural terroir. Every decision, every step of the viticultural and winemaking process is designed to add to the terroir, varietal character and vintage identity of the wines. Only wild yeasts are used for fermentation and the wines are made in small oak barrels. The best red and white wines are not clarified or filtered before bottling.
