Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Maison M. Chapoutier Ermitage “Le Méal” Rouge Bio is a standout Syrah from one of Hermitage Hill’s earliest-ripening parcels. It opens with fresh, lively aromas of crème de framboise, blueberry, and baking spices, accented by touches of vanilla. On the palate, it is generous, silky, and seductive, with glossy black fruit and supple tannins that give it both richness and elegance. James Suckling highlighted its youthful energy, noting flavors of loganberry, black currant, and black cherry, framed by bramble, bay leaf, violet, and earthy notes. Critics praised its balance of power and finesse, with Robert Parker awarding it a perfect 100 points, underscoring its exceptional quality and long aging potential.
About Winery
Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most historic and influential wineries in France’s Rhône Valley, based in Tain-l’Hermitage. The family’s roots in the region trace back to 1808, when the company was first established under the name Calvet et Compagnie. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier purchased vineyards in Hermitage, marking the true beginning of the Chapoutier wine legacy. By the late 19th century, Marius Chapoutier expanded the business, and in the 20th century, leadership passed through successive generations, including Max Chapoutier. The most transformative era began in the 1990s under Michel Chapoutier, who introduced biodynamic viticulture, a philosophy emphasizing harmony between soil, plants, and environment. Michel also made Chapoutier’s wines globally recognizable by adding Braille labels in 1996, honoring inclusivity. Today, Chapoutier is celebrated for producing some of the Rhône’s most iconic wines, particularly from Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while remaining a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking.
