-
96
/ 100
The Wine Advocate -
96
/ 100
James Suckling -
18.5
/ 20
Jancis Robinson MW -
94
/ 100
Wine Spectator
Red
Classification
Syrah
Variety
1988
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Rhone Valley, Hermitage
Region
13.0%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
96 / 100"This has always been a sublime Hermitage that is unjustifiably over-shadowed by the 1990. The nose seems rather closed at first but gradually unfurls to reveal some gorgeous earthy, liquorice, hung ham scents that billow with time. The full-bodied palate is beautifully poised with slightly grainy tannins, very focused with layers of earthy black fruits, smoke, briary, white fennel and hot bricks. Great length, just a stylish, sophisticated La Chapelle to treasure. Drink now-2030. Tasted September 2007. - Neal Martin"
- The Wine Advocate
96 / 100
"Who says that 1991 was only outstanding for Côte-Rôtie? All about finesse and beauty. Full body with super-fine tannins and a superb length and finesse. The finish goes on for minutes with sous bois, Cameroon black pepper cloves and dried meat. Florals. Really subtle and intense. - Tasted 2014"
- James Suckling
18.5 / 20
"Deep garnet with a pale rim. Intense. Succulent and gorgeous."
- Jancis Robinson MW
94 / 100
"94 Points."
- Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
Jaboulet's Hermitage La Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the greatest red wines in the world. Named after a tiny chapel (built by the knight Gaspard de Stérimberg in 1235) sitting at the highest point of the appellation's steepest hillside, this incredibly concentrated wine requires a minimum of ten years' keeping before it can unveil the full breadth of its aromas. The grapes are all destemmed, and harvested as late as possible. After a long vatting (25 days on average), the wine is matured in barrels (25% new wood) for a period of 12 to 16 months. In its youth, Hermitage la Chapelle is distinguished by its dark colour, developing incredibly intense aromas. Slightly woody, with hints of spice and very ripe wild fruits in its youth, La Chapelle develops licorice, candied fruit, mushroom, leather and undergrowth aromas after many years of ageing. The imposing structure of this exceptional wine offers a perfect combination of power, character and refinement. With its phenomenal longevity, Jaboulet's Hermitage la Chapelle easily matches the best red wines of Bordeaux or Burgundy.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity