There are just over 300 cases of the 2003 Ermitage Le Meal, which tips the scales at 16% natural alcohol. Its dense purple color is accompanied by aromas of pen ink, graphite, scorched earth, creme de cassis, and beef blood. Full-bodied with great intensity, amazing freshness as well as length, this monumental Hermitage should hit its prime in 5-7 years, and last for 3-4 decades.

The best bottle I've had, the still inky-purple 2003 Ermitage le Meal was firing on all cylinders on this occasion and was certainly a match for the 2009 and 2010. Tasting like a dry vintage port, yet with no sensation of heat or alcohol, it offers an insane bouquet of cassis, cracked pepper, violets, and mint that's literally overflowing the glass. Full-bodied, uber concentrated, voluptuous and still fresh and pure, it's a heavenly example of this killer terroir that will continue to knock your socks off for another 2-3 decades.

The 2003 Ermitage Le Meal’s inky/purple hue is followed by an explosive bouquet of white flowers, creme de cassis, melted asphalt, and black truffles. These characteristics follow through in the amazingly intense as well as persistent flavors. Even though this is an awesome effort, it is only the third finest of these 2003 Hermitages. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. As I have said so many times over the last 15 years, the top Chapoutier wines are meant for very long term drinking, and are not designed for immediate gratification. Everything Chapoutier is doing, from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard to tiny yields, extended fermentations, indigenous yeasts, and no fining or filtration, is done to produce the essence of a vineyard and a vintage. His track record since 1989 and 1990 admirably proves that these are indeed remarkable wines made by a young genius who refuses to compromise. Michel Chapoutier has been misunderstood by some of his peers, and there is a lot of jealousy when someone this young is so incredibly talented, but it is an irrefutable fact that these are wines of singular greatness as well as longevity. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

A very succinct nose of blackberry leaf, damson, sloes and blueberry. Superb definition and lift. The palate is more refined and sophisticated than Pavillon ‘03, but still with firm tannins and immense weight. Raspberry and cranberry on the slightly foursquare, conservative finish for the usually feminine Meal. I just think this wine is going to lose its inhibitions and blossom into something special. Tasted May 2006.