M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Méal 2024 en Primeur

A sooty and savoury expression, this is showing ripe blackberry and a good sense of freshness. It’s full-bodied but not massive on the palate, and there’s a huge surge of tannin and fruit on the finish. This has real drive and intensity, great salty extract, and good length and balance too. A very traditional expression. Not as concentrated as some recent hot years, but lovely balance and freshness. Serious Hermitage structure.