Dark ruby-red. Kirsch, cassis, violet, smoke and spices on the sappy nose. Very bound-up in the mouth today, with strong acidity dominating. I don't currently get the sheer richness of Hermitage, but this is precise, very firmly structured and very young. Finishes with firm tannins and a note of vanillin oak. Should age slowly and well.

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The 1996 Hermitage Le Meal (Chapoutier calls it the Lafite-Rothschild of Hermitage) is a mineral-dominated, high acid, medium to full-bodied, high-strung, extremely intellectual wine. It exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as mineral-dominated aromatics with notes of cassis, kirsch, and underbrush. Made from 80-year old vines, it requires 10-15 years of cellaring. Although not the most charming, opulent, or viscous style of Hermitage, it does possess the strongest terroir character of any of Chapoutier's wines. I might call it the Ausone of Hermitage!

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Near-perfect balance brings appeal to this sumptuous, silky red. Think of crushed black olives mixed with spicy virgin olive oil, add cassis, mocha, spice and toasted bread. Think of a texture so suave and opulent as to bring a smile on your face and the glass to your lips again and again. Get the picture?

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good fruit,firm tannins but not astringent,drinking well now,prob not improving