Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2011  £112.50

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

Hermitage

The most famous of all the northern Rhône appellations, its 120 hectares produce tiny quantities of very long-lived reds. The vines were grown in Roman times, although local folklore claims their origins to be 600 years earlier. The wines are powerful, with a deep colour and firm tannins, and the potential to age for many decades. The best Hermitage is produced from several climates blended together.

Jaboulet Hermitage is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes.

A gorgeous intensity of plum, spice and grilled meat on the nose. Cloves and hints of dried spices. This is a big, structured La Chappelle. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A bit austere and muscular but gorgeous. Tar, spice, dried meat and asphalt. Needs to be aged for at least another five or six years. This is another 1991 in the making.

97/100

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, December 2014