Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Petite Chapelle 2012  £65.00

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Petite Chapelle 

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. 

Antoine Jaboulet set up his winemaking business Tain-l'Hermitage in 1834. He was succeeded by his sons, Paul and Henri who in turn passed the baton to Paul's son Louis. Next came Louis's son Gérard and then, in 1997, Gérard's cousin, Michel Jaboulet. He ran the domain until 2006 when it was bought by the Frey Group which also owns vineyards in Champagne and Bordeaux (Château la Lagune).

Today, oenologist Caroline Frey runs the property which has worked steadily to achieve an excellent standard. In 2013, Maison Jaboulet officially converted its vineyards to organic and in 2015 it received “High Environmental Value” certification. Beyond these accreditations though, the domain's goal of bringing out the best in each majestic Rhône terroir remains unchanged. It achieves this goal by preserving the quality of the fruit, through meticulous vinification, and an attentive élevage.

Created out of a single-grape variety, Syrah, this vintage exhibits a purple-tinted dark colour that marks the glass.

On the nose, it gives off brightness and one can find mineral notes, as well as violet, forest fruits and mild spices hints.

On airing, blackberry and wild black cherry fragrances pair with soft, smoky notes.

The Hermitage La Petite Chapelle is very elegant and accessible. Its finish develops floral, spicy notes, and offers a mouth-feel of an excellent tannic softness.