Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 1999 75cl 13.5% ABV

Paul Jaboulet Aîné are amongst the Rhône Valley’s most iconic producers. Hermitage ‘La Chapelle’ being their most famous wine – arguably the most famous of all Hermitage. Named after the small hermit's Chapel built in 1235 on the Hermitage hill, La Chapelle is often considered equal in complexity and age-worthiness to the Bordeaux First Growths. Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet (Paul was one of his sons), it was Paul’s son, Louis, and grandson, Gérard, who can be heralded among the great ambassadors for the both the region and the négociant. However, upon Gérard’s untimely death in 1997, the business began to struggle. Finally, they sold it to the Frey family in 2005, announcing a new era.

The 1982 is a wonderful surprise. It has always been delicious It has put on weight yet retains its exotic, over-the-top style. Fully mature, but capable of lasting another decade or more, the 1982 La Chapelle possesses a dark garnet color with an amber edge. The glorious nose of Asian spices, roasted espresso, creamy cassis fruit, and hints of Peking duck lathered with hoisin sauce gives this wine, with its notes of prunes, plums, and cassis, an exotic yet compelling allure.