98 points

M. Chapoutier 1999 Le Méal Ermitage Red (Hermitage)

Chapoutier’s selections of the best parcels of vines in Hermitage are set to become legendary. Sold under the ancient spelling of the appellation name (Ermitage), they represent the epitome of the power and concentration that lies behind the reputation of the appellation. This cuvée is the best of the collection…  — R.V.   Published 6/1/2002
96 points

M. Chapoutier 2000 Le Méal Syrah (Hermitage)

If the gorgeous notes of brown sugar, graham cracker and black pepper on the nose don’t reel you in, what’s in the mouth will. Its blackberry core is juicy without being overblown; black olives, earth, leather and even a little raspberry flesh out the flavor profile. Has a velourlike texture in the mouth; its…  — W.E.   Published 9/1/2003
  • Cellar Selection
96 points

M. Chapoutier 2004 De L'Orée Marsanne (Hermitage)

Chapoutier’s top white in 2004 is this knockout cuvée parcellaire he calls De L’Orée. Aromas of truffles and honey burst from the glass, while the flavors lean toward peaches and toasted nuts. It’s full-bodied and undoubtedly high in alcohol, but there’s no trace of heat, and while it’s broad and mouthfilling…  — J.C.   Published 9/1/2007
  • Cellar Selection
96 points

M. Chapoutier 2004 Le Méal Syrah (Hermitage)

Le Méal is said to be the warmest terroir on the Hermitage hill, and thus it is no surprise that this bottling fared the best in the challenging 2004 vintage. Flamboyant, creamy waves of raspberry fruit flood the palate, bringing hints of meat, smoke and pepper along for the ride and developing lovely soft tannins…  — J.C.   Published 9/1/2007
95 points

M. Chapoutier 2004 L'Ermite Marsanne (Hermitage)

For white Hermitage, this is tight and minerally, with more structure than Chapoutier’s other microcuvées and possibly more aging potential. There’s a bit of truffle on the nose, but it’s not so exotic as the De L’Orée, nor so rich and fat as Le Méal. Finishes with tremendous length and minerality.  — J.C.   Published 9/1/2007
  • Cellar Selection
95 points

M. Chapoutier 2004 L'Ermite Syrah (Hermitage)

Wonderfully aromatic and complex, blending floral notes with mineral scents, bold cassis fruit and cracked pepper. This is full-bodied and muscular on the palate, the only one of Chapoutier’s 2004s that really demands cellaring. Drink 2010–2020.  — J.C.   Published 9/1/2007
  • Cellar Selection
95 points

M. Chapoutier 2006 Le Méal Ermitage Syrah (Hermitage)

Although 2006 won’t go down as a great vintage in the northern Rhône, Chapoutier’s selections parcellaires are still top notch. Le Méal gets the nod this year as the most powerful of the group, with massive espresso and black olive elements tinged with meat and underlain by a bed of ripe blueberries. Long and…  — J.C.   Published 2/1/2011
  • Cellar Selection
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94 points

M. Chapoutier 1999 Les Becasses Syrah (Côte Rôtie)

You couldn’t mistake this Côte-Rôtie for anything else: Floral-herb aromas are bolstered by smoky green tobacco, white-pepper and cranberry. It’s ultrastructured, with a strong iron-mineral core that needs at least two, but as many as 10, years of cellaring to soften. Tart red-berry, even animal, flavors cushion the…  — W.E.   Published 11/1/2001
  • Cellar Selection