96 Jeb Dunnuck - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"More backward and concentrated than either the '11 or '12, the 2010 Hermitage le Meal reveals an inky purple/blue/black color to go with masculine notes of cassis, black raspberries, wood smoke, pepper and crushed flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, with tons of fruit and texture, as well as good acidity and plenty of firm tannin, it actually can be enjoyed now in a youthful, exuberant sort of way, but deserves 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for two decades after that."

95 Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Again, production is very limited, as it is for the 2010 Ermitage Le Meal. Blackberry and beef blood notes intermixed with acacia flower, tomato confit and chocolate characteristics are followed by a wine with a fabulous texture, opulent, viscous fruit notes and a heady, thick, full-bodied finish. This 2010 is approachable now, but it will not hit its prime for another 4-5 years. It should last for two decades.

The quality of Ferraton's wines has been increasing with nearly every new vintage thanks to the efforts of Michel Chapoutier and his number one assistant, P.H. Morel, who has the responsibilities for these wines. I have included a few Southern Rhones that were not reviewed in Issue #203. Some of the 2011 white wines are in bottle, but the more serious cuvees are still in barrel. Ferraton produced four lieu-dit offerings in 2011, which I tasted with Michel Chapoutier and Pierre-Henri Morel." (12/12)

91-93 Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media

"Vivid ruby. Powerful scents of red and dark berry preserves, fruitcake and violet, with complicating notes of minerals and cracked pepper. Lush and creamy but also quite energetic, offering sweet black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and exotic star anise and floral pastille nuances. Shows a suave blend of richness and vivacity and finishes with excellent clarity, spiciness and persistence." (03/12)

93 Wine Spectator

"Juicy and enticing, offering lovely plum pate de fruit, blackberry preserves and crushed boysenberry flavors lined with pastis, violet and graphite notes. Approachable and vivacious, with the stuffing to cellar. Drink now through 2021. 115 cases made. -JM" (2013)