La Petite Chapelle is a blend of different, separately-vinified parcels from the hill of Hermitage. This cuvée is matured in oak barrels (with 20% new wood) for 12 months, which is a little shorter than La Chapelle; it is also produced from younger vines than its elder sibling, with higher yields. This wine has aromas of sweet spices, ripe fruit and peony notes. The powerful palate offers vegetal, milky notes.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Saturated ruby.
Aroma: Fresh blackberry and blueberry on the highly perfumed nose, complicated by sexy Indian spice and violet notes.
Palate: Densely packed dark berry liqueur flavors pick up a candied licorice quality with air, along with hints of smoky minerals and fruitcake. Coats the palate and shows outstanding concentration, but there’s no excess fat here. Finishes with firm, spicy cut, slow-building tannins and a suave echo of candied flowers. (V)
Grape Varieties: 100% Syrah
Aging: Aged 15-18 months in roughly 20% new French oak
Awards: 94pts – Vinous; 91pts – Jeb Dunnuck
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”