2020 M. Chapoutier »Le Méal« Rouge – Bio

»Welcome to the dark side of the Hermitage force, complete with billowing smoke and a deep well of blackberry fruit. Staggering concentration and a massive structure that’s nonetheless very precise. Enormous depth and energy at the finish which moves across the palate like a giant wave, which you the drinker are surfing. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.«

Ist neben Robert Parker der weltweit einflussreichste Wein-Kritiker. Mit einem außergewöhnlichen Arbeitspensum von 4.000 Weinverkostungen pro Jahr ist James Suckling längst legendär und seine Bewertungen sind von größter Bedeutung.

»The super 2020 Ermitage le Méal boasts intense aromas of roasted meat, black olives, cassis and blueberries—a complex blend of fruity and savory that's more than the sum of its parts. Full-bodied and richly textured, it slides down deceptively easily for a young Hermitage of this pedigree, finishing with a flurry of soft tannins and tremendous length. No matter how much time one spends with Michel Chapoutier, he always manages to say something surprising. As an owner of biodynamically farmed properties in the Rhône, a participant in several joint ventures, a proprietor in numerous wine regions, owner of a large négociant business and a former president of Inter Rhône (the region's trade body), he has a global perspective that's probably unmatched in the Rhône. Interestingly, on my latest visit, Chapoutier mentioned that he believes "Clairette is the real white grape of the south," despite not currently selling any wines that are majority Clairette. Unless those were empty words—not something I normally associate with him—I'd guess that may change going forward. These reviews are based on several visits with him and his winemaking team over the past couple of years, so they encompass some previously released wines tasted as tank samples as well as current and forthcoming releases.«

Robert Parker gilt als einer der einflussreichsten Weinkritiker der Welt und hat mit seinem 100-Punkte-Bewertungssystem die Weinszene revolutioniert. Seine Leistungen haben ihn zum Wein-Guru gemacht. Parker legte nicht nur Wert auf die Vergabe von Punkten, sondern auch auf ausführliche Verkostungsnotizen und detaillierte Beschreibungen der Weine. Seine Expertise spiegelte sich in präzisen und eindrucksvollen Bewertungen wider.