Ermitage Blanc Le Meal Chapoutier 2009 (750ML)

98 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "An intense and gorgeous wine, with a rich yet remarkably racy core of star fruit, fennel, anise, white peach and chamomile flavors that course along, followed by a finish of salted butter and blanched almond. There's lots of flesh, but also invigorating, almost crunchy acidity buried deeply. Drink now through 2027. 844 cases made, 60 cases imported."

99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "From a warm site and a hot vintage, the 2009 Ermitage le Meal Blanc was harvested on the August 28, and aged in 100% new French oak. Flirting with perfection and a full-bore, exotic, almost over-the-top expression of Marsanne, it has less minerality than the 2010, yet more of everything else with boatloads of caramelized fruits, buttered citrus, white flowers, honey and crushed rocks all soaring from the glass. Rich, layered, exuberant, unctuous and exotic, with stunning freshness despite it's thickness and weight, drink this incredible white anytime over the coming 30-40 years."