the 2009 Ermitage le Meal is as good as Hermitage gets

Linear and very tight with a clarity and energy

it’s possible that this was fatigued

I like the balance as well as the well-integrated structure that should enable this to offer 7 to 9 years of improvement

lemon rind and a subtle matchstick character

Charbonniere, Chateauneuf Du Pape Vv other_regions_italy the 2009 Ermitage le MealDried red fruits, tobacco, melted licorice and forest floor elements introduce the 2005 Chteauneuf du Pape Cuve Vieilles Vignes. The 2005 shows well today, full bodied and concentrated yet remarkably well balanced by lifting freshness, and built around resolved tannins. Complex and refined, it concludes gracefully with a long, complex finish.