This 2001 Ermitage Le Meal is made from 100% Syrah from 30 year old vines that are grafted in-situ on terraces of rounded pebbles with perfect southern exposure. Aged in barrel (30% to 50% new barrels each year) for 14 to 18 months, the nose displays characteristics of small blackberries with nuances of leather. A powerful palate shows well-integrated tannins and oak.  Designed to age for the longterm and it certainly has!   23 years old and still many years left at its peak.