This relatively warm, early-ripening terroir has yielded a wine that's full-bodied yet with an almost custard-like silky texture. Toasted grain, lemon custard, crushed stone, pear and melon notes mingle easily on the nose of Chapoutier's 2020 Ermitage le Méal Blanc. The long, zesty finish is marked by a slight hint of bitterness that seems to come into this parcellaire from time to time.

The 2019 Ermitage le Méal Blanc was initially tasted and reviewed last year. While I retasted it, my impressions were essentially the same as last time (reproduced here for the sake of completeness): The 2019 Ermitage le Méal Blanc boasts remarkable complexity, ranging from hints of pencil shavings and crushed stones to a range of ripe, honeyed fruit (pear, melon, citrus) and then into slightly spicy-herbal, salty elements that bring celery seed and fennel to mind. It's medium to full-bodied, broad and mouth coating on the palate, yet retains a terrific sense of freshness that revolves around gentle citrus pith/zest and salted licorice on the lingering finish.

The 2017 Ermitage le Meal Blanc starts with refined notes of crushed stone and pencil shavings that move into a whirlwind of lush fruit, ranging from pineapple through melon and pear. It's rich, almost custardy in texture, yet it's backed by mineral notes of crushed stone and delivers awesome freshness on the long finish. It's an exhilarating ride. 508 cases produced.

The 2016 Ermitage le Meal Blanc is all Marsanne and all power, with ample weight and richness on the full-bodied palate. Grilled melon and tangerine flavors are big, bold and round yet balanced by a hint of bitterness on the finish. It should drink well for two decades or more.