Description
In need of serious air to open up, the 2017 Hermitage La Chapelle became more and more impressive the longer I kept it in the glass. At first it seemed a bit simple, if admirably plummy and rich, but by the time ten minutes had elapsed, it was showing off elegant notes of crushed stone, pencil shavings and cassis, while remaining full-bodied, rich and concentrated. It's velvety and long on the finish, but something left me wanting a bit more. It's surely a great La Chapelle, but will it reach that elusive triple-digit score? 97-99/100 RP
Producer Information: Paul Jaboulet Aine
Caroline Frey hosted a convivial dinner at the family’s Bordeaux property, Chateau la Lagune just as their Rhone acquisition had been signed in 2006. Caroline herself has led the team that has turned Jaboulet from journeyman to worth a journey. Though we are still picking through the range a little, the 2019 vintage is so deserved; a culmination of 15 years of dedication to making Jaboulet a world great and highly desirable label. The vineyards are now all certified organic and broadly following biodynamic principles.
