Similar to the '12 and showing the generosity and warmth of this site, the 2011 Ermitage le Meal is another sexy wine that's just hard to resist. Full-bodied and concentrated, it's slightly more red fruit-driven with black raspberries, crushed flowers, sweet spice and roasted herb aromas and flavors all emerging from the glass. One of the denser, more concentrated 2011s out there, it still shows the 2011 extroverted and straight-up hedonistic character and will drink well for another 20+ years.

Mulled plum, loganberry and blackberry fruit is melded together in this red, studded with anise, briar and singed mesquite notes. A light tarry backdrop frames the long finish. Best from 2015 through 2030. 15 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Ermitage Select to Add

Mid to dark crimson. Sappy and appetising on the nose. Lovely fine tannins and texture with good acidity and a mineral streak. Real structure and pzazz. Dry finish that is recognisably Hermitage. Very juicy though. So persistent.