Fully mature, the 1997 Ermitage le Meal is a pretty, classy, sweetly fruited beauty that gives up plenty of cured meats, dark fruits, earth and wood smoke on the nose. Balanced, resolved and ready to go I see no need to delay gratification and would opt for enjoying bottles over the coming decade.

A surprising Hermitage that grows on you. Light inc olor and aroma, mature, with delicate red berry, fresh mushroom and plum character. Has a soft texture, but underneath there is an interesting terroir-driven tannin structure. Complex flavors kick in unexpectedly on the finish. Drink now through 2006.??–PM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Ermitage Select to Add