Tasting Notes
Colour: A healthy dark plum hue with solid bricking at the rim
Aroma: A great nose of ripe black fruits, cured meats, baking spices, subtle soy, game, and hints of chocolate.
Palate: The 1991 Hermitage La Chapelle is now fully mature and a classy, elegant La Chapelle with lots to love, although it’s not getting any better and has been in its peak drinking window for over 10-15 years now. Just classic La Chapelle aromatically, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, sweet tannin, a plush, soft texture, and outstanding length. From a year that saw a great growing season that was capped by bad weather at harvest, this justifiably lives in the shadow of the 1990 but is nevertheless a gorgeous wine. This beauty will continue drinking nicely for another 8-10 years, although as I said, there’s no need to delay gratification and if you have them, find something to celebrate and enjoy. Best After 2022.(JD)
Grape Varieties: 100% Syrah
Awards: 94pts – Wine Spectator; 92pts – Jeb Dunnuck; 90pts – Wine Advocate-Parker
History of Paul Jaboulet-Aîné
Paul Jaboulet Aine has been a part of the Rhône Valley wine industry for almost two centuries, beginning with a small plot of land on the hills of Hermitage, before expanding throughout the region. Today, it encompasses more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of vineyards making wines from the northern and southern Rhône, including Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu and Cornas.
The maison was passed through the Jaboulet family until the purchase by the Frey family in 2006. The Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle is the estate’s flagship wine and is one of the most sought-after wines from the Rhône, reaching high prices at auction.
“Because there are no great wines without great grapes”