Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2007

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.

Opaque purple. Captivating aromas of boysenberry, dark cherry, pepper, spices, cocoa powder and smoky minerality. Then intense and penetrating in the mouth, with brilliantly fresh dark berry and kirsch flavors lifted by notes of cinnamon and star anise. Finishes pungent and impressively long, with a palate-saturating whiplash of dark berry and spice flavors. ~ Stephen Tanzer, 94 Points

This is so perfumed with strawberry, spices, meat and light earth. Then changes to cloves, dried flowers such as violets, and perfume. Full body with super-fine tannins, almond, berry, light spice and hints of lightly grilled meat. A wonderful, satisfying wine that’s all about balance and refinement. ~ James Suckling 94 Points