One of the stars of the retrospective was the 2010 Ermitage le Meal. This classic vintage yielded concentrated, fresh and structured wines and the 2010 has all of these traits in spades. Giving up a massive array of liquid rock, graphite, spring flowers, cassis and black raspberries, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a tight, structured, tannic mouthfeel and bright acidity, all while still showing incredible polish and elegance. It will certainly flirt with perfection at maturity, but is all about minerality and structure at the moment. Give this incredible effort 3-5 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following 2-3 decades.

A dark, nicely toasty style, with lots of warm cocoa, espresso and tar notes up front, followed by crushed fig and warm currant confiture flavors. A toasty edge holds sway on the finish for now, but this is packed with a tarry intensity and loads of fleshy fruit through the long, loamy finish. Dark and chewy, exhibiting terrific drive. Best from 2018 through 2035. 20 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Ermitage Select to Add

Tasted blind. Dark blackish ruby. Heady, liquorice nose. Savoury and dry on the finish. Very competent and correct. Lean and polished. Well done, though far from opulent. Bracing!