Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 98 points

Like the concentrated essence of bee?s honey with resiny, flower, and mineral notes, the 2003 Ermitage Le Meal blanc is a huge, full-bodied, even tannic effort with amazing viscosity and thickness. This is a wine to drink young, or forget for two decades. To Chapoutier?s credit, he is making these wines for posterity, not for immediate gratification.

Review date: February 2006

Wine Spectator: 97 points

On the shy side aromatically (for now) this sneaks up on you with waves of almond, mango, papaya and glazed pear flavors. The texture is like coconut milk, the powerful finish is long and full of minerality. Great spine here, with marvelous balance. Drink now through 2030. 300 cases made.

Review date: May 2006