Jaboulet Aine, Paul - Hermitage La Chapelle 2019

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Might this be the next vintage of La Chapelle to crack triple digits? Knockout aromas of crushed stone, violets, blueberries, and cassis mark the nose of the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle, while the full-bodied palate is undeniably more intense and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Rich and velvety, it coats the mouth with dark fruit and creamy-textured espresso, yet retains remarkable length and licorice-derived peppery freshness on the finish. Wow!"

JEB DUNNUCK: "Compared to the La Maison Bleue, the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle is more closed, tight, and primary, with a focused, full-bodied style that carries impressive black and blue fruits, graphite, bloody meat, and ample minerality. Structured and tannic, yet wonderfully concentrated and pure, it's not for those seeking instant gratification, but it’s another stunning Hermitage in the making."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A big, rich wine with intense fruit, showing blackberry, black olive and black truffle character. Full-bodied and layered with chewy tannins that are soft and juicy. It’s a little warm on the finish. Yet, the decadence is so attractive and the phenolics keep it in line. This is very solid. Try after 2024."

DECANTER: "Distinctly closed at the time of tasting, with some underlying smoky hints. Not terribly full-bodied, but certainly intense and focused on the palate. Some hard tannins on the finish that will take a long time to adequately soften, and there's a hint of bitterness - I'm keen to taste this again in bottle to see the finished blend. Has good balance and vibrancy overall, though the alcohol is a little raised. Drinking Window 2028 - 2039"