Exciting news! La Chapelle from Domaine Paul Jaboulet has landed at D&N portfolio.

“Structured and tannic, yet wonderfully concentrated and pure…”

Paul Jaboulet started with a small plot of land on the hills of Hermitage, Rhone Valley. Nowadays, it has more than 100 hectares of vineyards. The Estate has belonged to Jean-Jacques Frey and family since 2006. And the daughter, Caroline Frey is the winemaker. She also manages winemaking at Frey’s other estates (other estates (Bordeaux’s Château La Lagune and Château Corton-C in Aloxe-Corton) as well has her own project (Mon Jardin Secret) in the Valais), read more about Caroline, the winemaker

La Chappelle is one of the most structured and tannic, yet wonderfully concentrated and pure wine. However, every vintage is so unique and has its own story, so keep reading to find out more!

1985 Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

Healthy brick colour – quite pale. This smells like an old wine rather than a Rhône. Could be a 1971 burgundy almost! Flattering, delicate, gentle drink. Mellow, tannins much in abeyance – Jancis Robinson, 16 points.

One of the more finesse driven wines in the vertical, the 1985 Hermitage la Chapelle offered beautiful, complex notes of coffee beans, dried meats, potpourri and mint to go with a full-bodied, elegant and seamless feel on the palate. Following on the heels of the monster-sized ’89, it still stood out for its purity, fine tannin and length on the finish. It’s a beautiful wine drinking at point – Robert Parker, 95 points.

Extremely rich and fruity, with soft tannin structure for early drinking. Dense purple color; concentrated, grapey, earthy aromas; full-bodied, with velvety texture, vanilla, berry and earth accents and a very long finish.- La Chapelle vertical. Best after 1992 – Wine Spectator, 93 points.

Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 1991

Showing a touch of oxidation, but still thoroughly enjoyable, full-bodied and textured, the 1991 Hermitage la Chapelle has lots of olive and darker fruits, as well as that mature la Chapelle bouquet of chocolate, soy and roasted meats. Big, fleshy and textured on the palate, I love it for its richness and it still has plenty of sweet tannin. I wouldn’t push the aging curve here and see no reason to delay gratification, especially with the subtle kiss of oxidation. Nevertheless, this outstanding Hermitage offers plenty of character – Robert Parker, 91 points.

After a hot summer followed by rain at harvest, this “miracle” vintage produced many gorgeous northern Rhône Syrahs. Balanced, racy, elegant, fresh and sweet-tasting, with smooth tannins. Aromas of leather, roasted nuts, plum and wood smoke bring a complexity that seduces. Medium-bodied and in the lineage of ’96 -La Chapelle vertical. Drink now through 2015 – Wine Spectator, 94 points.

Healthy but very shaded briary crimson. Some real Hermitage perfume. Then sweet fruit on the front palate – truly a hint of majesty. Dusty, dry, very fine tannins. Briary, this wine still has a way to go but has real fruit intensity – though it could do with a little more. Quite fresh. Medium length – Jancis Robinson, 17 points.

Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 1999

Quite dark but not very evolved. Quite meaty nose. Very dry and slightly dusty without a real core of fruit. As though it has been kept in oak a bit too long. Very traditional, even a bit rustic. Serviceable but no ingredient X – Jancis Robinson, 16.5 points

Jaboulet’s view of its most famous wine seems to have changed. Although the concentrated, dense tannins and big black fruit flavors are still there, it has lost the huge brooding presence of past vintages, and now has a veneer of sophistication with superripe fruit, plums and dark jam tastes. Whether this 1999 will age as well as older vintages remains to be seen, but it will certainly be ready to drink sooner – Wine Spectator, 94 points

Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle & 1.5L 2006

The first vintage where the new team was firmly in place, the 2006 Hermitage la Chapelle offers that classic, smoky, meaty La Chapelle bouquet to go with loads of fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, impressive mid-palate density and sweet tannin. This was easily the best showing I’ve had from this bottle, which often shows a much more rustic, evolved character – Robert Parker, 90 points

Tightly wound, with a core of braised fig, currant paste and coffee notes held in check by iron and tar. There’s rather muscular grip for the vintage, and the long finish shows slightly taut tannins but is a bit shy on depth. Should unwind with cellaring – Wine Spectator, 91 points

Much tarter and leaner than the 2007 tasted alongside – Jancis Robinson, 17.5 points

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