2006

16/20
'Ce millésime 2006 dévoile une belle matière soyeuse, mais il est marqué par un élevage bordelais prenant, avec des arômes de moka et de vanille qui dominent le fruit. Les tanins s'en trouvent également resserrés. Si le vin est capable de digérer son élevage, il se montrera intéressant. A suivre.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008 / Janvier 2009

 

2005

Robe :
Rouge sombre aux reflets violets
Nez :
Grande jeunesse de l'expression aromatique, les notes de bois sont encore perceptibles et participent à la complexité. Une belle maturité, des fruits murs et des notes épicées renforcent le côté grillé du vin
Bouche :
Matière en puissance : les tanins sont encore jeunes et présents, témoins d'un gros potentiel de garde. L'équilibre tend vers une longueur intense et complexe. L'attaque est ferme et on retrouve en finale le grain très serré des tanins qui caractérisent le millésime
Impression générale :
Vin en bouteille depuis peu, laisser reposer de nombreuses années avant de déguster ce concentré d'Hermitage, pas avant 15 ans

 

17/20
'Le 2005 se montre un peu plus corpulent, mais il est également sous l'emprise d'un élevage assez marqué. Il possède néanmoins beaucoup de fond et un côté épices nobles. Les tanins se montrent fermes, mais pas secs, et la finale est jolie.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008/Janvier 2009

2004

Robe :
Rouge soutenu et brillant
Nez :
Nez sur le style classique de fruits noirs et de compléments minéraux : le coté empyreumatique est appréciable par sa finesse
Bouche :
Bouche très longiligne : un volume appréciable mais d'une puissance non écrasante. La finesse et la minéralité se retrouvent, une belle matière qui persiste sur des notes réglissées très soyeuses
Impression générale :
Le caractère réducteur et minéral du vin permet de penser à une grande aptitude au vieillissement.

2003

Robe :
Très intense, la couleur est à l'image de la concentration du millésime
Nez :
Nez original sur des notes de fruits très mûrs, légèrement cuits type compotés, cassis, mures. L'intensité est surprenante d'expression
Bouche :
Bouche toute en harmonie : le volume est grand, la complexité intense et l'équilibre parfait : une attaque soyeuse et une intensité en bouche qui augmente au cours du temps. La densité du vin confère une longueur en bouche admirable
Impression générale :
Grand millésime et parfait équilibre du vin, très attirant dès sa jeunesse ce vin conservera ce potentiel encore une vingtaine d'années.

17/20
'S'il possède le côté chaud du millésime, avec des notes de fruits noirs très mûrs, il ne bascule pas dans le registre compoté et lourd de bien des 2003. Sa trame minérale lui pemet de conserver de la fraîcheur et bel équilibre. Il déploie de fines notes fumées, mais se referme actuellement. Longue garde prévisible.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008 / Janvier 2009

2002

Robe :
Rouge foncé aux reflets encore violacés
Nez :
Nez aux dominantes de poivre et d'épices, un côté foin sec original vient renforcer le style atypique de ce millésime.
Bouche :
Bouche puissante et assez anguleuse : le vin est très jeune et encore un peu sauvage. L'attaque est tanique et la longueur en bouche est surprenante
Impression générale :
Vin encore jeune mais au potentiel de garde élévé, massif.

2001

Robe :
Rouge sombre et soutenu, reflets noirs et intense
Nez :
Nez très expressif de la typicité de l'Hermitage : fruits murs et compotés, notes animales de fourrures, et complexité sur les notes empyreumatiques type réglisse.
Bouche :
Beaucoup de volume en bouche l'attaque est puissante. Les tanins sont encore fermes mais un gras marqué rend la bouche très harmonieuse. Une très grande longueur en bouche permet de faire durer la sensation de plénitude
Impression générale :
Très beau millésime, grande finesse. Un beau support acide assurera à ce vin encore une longevité d'une belle dizaine d'années.

 

THE WINE SPECTATOR
Score: 97
Some lovely fruit, polished and clean, with all the attributes of a fine terroir--mineral and above all a lot of sweet, ultraripe fruit. Full-bodied, long, with plenty of toasted, smoked bacon and blackberry notes. Easier to appreciate young than many La Chapelle, but what hedonistic pleasure. Best from 2007 through 2015. 4,425 cases made.

 

ROBERT PARKER
Score: 90-92
The 2001 Hermitage La Chapelle looks to be a strong effort, perhaps the finest since 1997. This is welcome news as this can be one of the world’s greatest wines. After an extremely severe selection (something that may have been lacking in previous vintages), the 2001 boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of creme de cassis intermixed with licorice and earth. Full-bodied, sweet, rich, and moderately tannic, it should merit a score in the low nineties, a good sign after a succession of uninspiring efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR
Score: 92
Saturated red-ruby color. Brooding aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, gunflint and spices. Thick, dense and brooding, with sweet cassis, pepper and tobacco flavors framed and carried by firm acidity. Comes across as very ripe and broad ... Finishes with firm tannins, hints of licorice and dark chocolate, and serious spine.

 

THE DECANTER
By general agreement, two wines encapsulate above all others the Hermitage qualities; that of Domaine Jean-Louis Chave and Jaboulet's La Chapelle. A recent tasting of seven vintages from 2001 to 1982 held by The Wine Society confirmed the view of Remington Norman MW in his superb Rhone Renaissance that 'with La Chapelle, 20 years' cellaring brings us riches that are barely discernable in the dense, tight-knit young Syrah'
...The tasting ended on a lovely, violetty 1982, described by Nicolas Jaboulet as being 'at its peak'. He should have been at Gidleigh Park this February, where the Decanter group drank the superb 1978, still bursting with fruit, showing the majestic depth of a truly great La Chapelle.

2000

Robe :
Rouge rubis éclatant, légèrement tuilé. Belle intensité colorante.
Nez :
Nez intense de fruits rouges tendant vers des notes Kirschées. Belle complexité, les arômes d'évolution type sous bois et cuir apparaissent en finale.
Bouche :
L'attaque est soyeuse et tendue : belle structure, tanins assez fondus en finale, l'harmonie générale est sur la tendresse et l'élégance. La persistance aromatique est très fine.
Impression générale :
La tendresse de ce millésime en fait un vin proche de la maturité de dégustation.
COMMENTAIRE OFFICIEL DE LA MAISON PAUL JABOULET AîNE - DEGUSTATION JANVIER 2002

Good medium ruby. Spicy red and black fruits and minerals on the reticent but complex nose. Very intensely flavored but suave; a primary, penetrating wine with almost pinot-like finesse. Highly aromatic in the mouth. Really impeccably balanced, in the supple style of the vintage. Very long finish features smooth, nicely buffered tannins. (90-93)
STEPHEN TANZER'S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR 02/2002

1999

Robe :
Couleur rubis intense aux reflets brillants.
Nez :
Elégant et puissant aux arômes extrêmement complexes de petits fruits noirs, d'épices douces, de réglisse et finement boisé.
Bouche :
Ample et généreuse avec une énorme structure, des tanins tout en finesses, et encore bien présents .Une finale longue et délicate sur des notes de fruits sauvages très mûrs.
COMMENTAIRE OFFICIEL DE LA MAISON PAUL JABOULET AîNE - DEGUSTATION JANVIER 2002

'Saturated medium ruby. Deep, highly concentrated aroma of black fruits, bitter chocolate, shoe polish and humus. Thick but bright on entry, then quite full and consistent through to the very long whiplash of a finish. Really stuffed with fruit, and beautifully balanced. Dense flavors of cassis, violet, bitter chocolate and Cuban tobacco. Substantial ripe tannins are thoroughly buffered by the wine's fat. A great showing today. Jaboulet used helicopters to dry the fruit after the showers, then picked quickly.' (93-95)
STEPHEN TANZER’S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR 02/2001

Medium-deep red-ruby. Roasted, tarry red fruits, animal fur and chocolate on the nose; as vibrant and vinous as a barrel sample. Extremely lush and concentrated, and already highly aromatic in the mouth, with notes of red and black fruits, roasted nuts, spices, chocolate and tobacco. Beautifully integrated acidity. Finishes very long, with substantial, very fine tannins. A superb vintage for this top Hermitage bottling.(93(+?))
STEPHEN TANZER'S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR 02/2002

1998

'Le nez mûr et épicé paraît encore assez discret. La bouche se livre mieux, grasse, de bonne amplitude, avec des tannins fins et racés, une jolie matière et une belle longueur.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE – 06/99

'Red-ruby. Expressive nose combines currant, roast coffee, chicory, underbrush and smoke. Suave yet penetrating in the mouth, with complex flavors of redcurrant, iron, minerals, smoke and tobacco. Finishes with dusty tannins and excellent length, though there's still acidity to be absorbed. This is showing well now, though its slightly more advanced aromatics suggest it will not be as long-lived as the '99.'' (92)
INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR (STEPHEN TANZER'S) 01/02 – 01

'The softest, most precocious of the three most recent vintages of the famed Hermitage La Chapelle is the 1998. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a ripe blackberry and cassis-scented nose that has not yet begun totake on the secondary nuances of leather, dried herbs, and foresty notes. A full-bodied wine, it has a sweet attack, high tannin, and excellent concentration and purity. If my instincts are right, it will require 6-8 years of bottle age, and should keep for 2-3 decades. A medium-weight La Chapelle, it will not be as concentrated and fat as the 1997, nor as backward and dense as the 1996.' (90-92)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'When this was a one year old, it showed in superb fashion with deep brambly profundity.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'Roasted aromas of black cherry and smoke. Less fat but more spicy in the mouth., with superb richness. Superripe suggestion of beefsteak tomato. More fimly built than the '97, but nearly as rich. Finishes with huge, palate-coating but ripe tannins and outstanding length.' (92-94)
STEPHEN TANZER’S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR 02-2000

'Fine, full, firm, youthful colour. Rich, ripe, profound nose. This I think is better than the 1996 and 1995. Full body. Very good tannins. Very good trip. Fresh, ripe and very concentrated. Not up to 1990 levels, because it doesn't have the volume, nor the power. But very intense, very lovely classy fruit. Long. Very promising. Super.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

1997

'Medium-full colour. Raw and unformed on the nose as yet. The usual blackcurrant leaf aspect. This is less ample and less concentrated than the 1996 and 1995 but it is certainly ripe enough. Medium-full on the palate. Plenty of juicy fruit it without the backbone and concentration of a great vintage. Good trip. Nice and long. A generous wine. Not too baked. The tannins are sophisticated. Very good.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'La robe apparaît grenat foncé, dense mais, comme souvent avec cette cuvée, assez opaque, sans aucune recherche d'un brillant artificiel obtenu par filtration. Le nez discret, comme on peut s'y attendre pour un vin aussi jeune, distille des notes de fruits rouges et – déjà ! – d'épices. Mais la bouche révèle bien le caractère du millésime : une acidité peu agressive, un profond velouté de texture, bref, une expression de vendange très mûre, avec une finale cacaotée ample, sûre d'elle-même.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Ruby-red. Port-like aromas of black cherry, roasted currant and smoky oak. Extraordinarily silky and seamless in the mouth, with uncanny texture and great suavity. Extremely long on the finish, with the tannins buried in fruit. A remarkably lush, accessible La Chapelle whose sheer density of material should enable it to develop in bottle for 15 to 20 years.' (93)
STEPHEN TANZER’S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR 01/02 2001

'Vivid crimson. Tremendous nose of  'La Chapelle' already showing. Incredible 'brambly' scent. Vivid red fruits. Great freshness. Huge health of fruit is the first impact. Really brambly flavour. The fruit melts in the mouth. An utter charmer. Pure delight. So frank and 'perfumed'. Elegance too.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'The 1997 Hermitage La Chapelle has begun to completely close down, which is surprising in view of how sweet, seductive, and precocious this vintage can be. However, the color seems to get deeper with exposure to air (the wine was far more drinkable after 24 hours of aeration than it was upon opening). The moderately intense bouquet exhibits plenty of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit, in addition to spicy, mineral characteristics. There is considerable weight and volume, but the wine is tight, and nearly impenetrable, leaving an impression of a large, deep, four-square monolith in need of 7-10 years of cellaring – at the minimun. Winemaker Jacques Jaboulet suggested this wine would end up in the same hallowed class as the 1990, 1978 and the 1961. Having had it three times since bottling, I do not agree. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding Hermitage La Chapelle that will have at least three decades of positive evolution. For readers intent on committing infanticide, open and decant it 12-24 hours in advance. The improvement is dramatic. Perhaps it is Jacques Jaboulet’s preference to bottle with very high levels of CO2 (1200 ppm) that makes this wine so difficult to taste in its youth. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.' (93+?)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Hedonistic and quite delicious but very ripe, with stewed fruit that makes it a bit heavy. Pepper, spice and mocha notes bring it all to a long and exciting finish – but it doesn't have the cellar potential you potential you expect from better vintages of La Chapelle. Drink now through 2005.' (89)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

'A wine that sells for around $100 a value? Yes, when it has the pedigree of La Chapelle and the intensity of this particular wine. The best wine to come from Jaboulet since the awe-inspiring 1990. And yes, in these days of newly released $250+ first-growth Bordeaux, a value.' (96)
WINE ENTHUSIAST

1996

'Il se caractérise par une belle robe sombre, un nez racé sur la réglisse, le cuir, le fruit noir, une petite touche d'évolution. La bouche offre de l'ampleur , un beau grain serré, une forte présence épicée, une carrure tannique équilibrée par du gras et un fruité expressif, une finale sur le poivre et les épices. Ce vin de grande race semble peut-être un peu moins séduisant que le 1995.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 11/1998

« La robe réjouit l’œil puis le nez s’appuie sur des notes de sous-bois. Epicé, équilibré, construit sur des tanins de qualité, ce vin s’affirmera avec quelques années de garde. »
LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 1999 11/1998

'Really deep, thick and black. Unbelievable “legs”. This has a real “cassis” nose. Intense, “classic”, spicily scented. Crushed blackcurrants. Damp leaves. Massive wine. Huge tannic structure. Strong acidity, which augurs well for the future. Has everything. Will last for 50 years. Could this be like the ’61? The formidable arrangement of fruit, acidity and tannin gives it superpower status.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'The Hermitage La Chapelle is immensely impressive, but in a completely different style. The acidity is much higher than in either the 1997 or 1998. The color is black/purple, and the wine is extremely concentrated, but unevolved and impossible to penetrate. It could turn out like the 1983 and never develop as well as its early promise suggests. Nevertheless, it is a massive effort with extraordinary concentration, but the high acidity requires a minimum of 10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.' (92+)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Profondeur de robe et opacité identique à celle du 1997 : en revanche, le nez s'exprime avec davantage d'ampleur et de personnalité, dans un registre habituel de fruits noirs compotés, avec une inimitable nuance de girofle. En bouche, on remarque immédiatement la monumentalité du corps, et l'équilibre étonnant de tous les constituants par rapport à cette monumentalité. Une très grande année se prépare, un peu plus énergique que la précédente, parfaitement comparable au 1990 et plus corsée encore que le 1978. L'apogée est prévisible dans un quart de siècle, au minimum.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Full, backward colour. Splendidly rich, ripe and fresh. Very aromatic on the nose. Even to the point of a touch of oxidation as it developed. Fullish on the palate. Very good tannins. Very fine acidity. Not exactly a blockbuster, but a backward wine. Good ripe fruit. Quite austere but nevertheless warm and generous at the end. Long. Complex. Classy.Fine'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Much more expressive on the nose than the '97 – and darker and thicker – adding to the evidence that '96 is a better vintage in the Northern Rhône. Delivers a round, clean, pure mouthfeel of vibrant, focused red berry and blackberry flavors. Superb balance, as it walks a tightrope among the relatively high acidity, ripe tannins and delicious fruit. Worth cellaring; best from 2003 through 2015.' (94)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

'Deep, opaque blackish-ruby hue. Brooding black fruit and mineral aromas. Full-bodied palate with big, chunky tannins. Very deep and intense. High extract and concentration. Rather unapproachable at the moment. Should drink well in 10 to 12 years, while holding for 20-plus.'
BEFORE YOU BUY TASTINGS - THE JOURNAL OF THE BEVERAGE TASTING INSTITUTE

1995

16/20
'Plus construit et volumineux que le 1998, cet hermitage est néanmoins de demi-puissance, sur des notes de lard fumé, avec un petite touche de gibier. Ce vin agréable se déguste déjà fort bien.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE, Décembre 2008 / Janvier 2009

'La robe est celle des grands millésimes : dense, profonde, très légèrement voilée. Le nez ne possède pas la même assise que les précédents, il se révèle plus gracieux, plus superficiel et plus éthéré, avec une évolution plus capricieuse à l’altération. Mais on identifie facilement les notes d’iris, de girofle et de caramel des années mûres de ces terroirs. Le vin déploie un corps excellent, mais un peu moins de chair que le 1996 et des tannins plus serrés, plus durs. La fin de bouche rappelle davantage le mourvèdre que la syrah, indiquant que la vigne a un peu plus souffert de sécheresse pendant l’été. »
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Ce vin à la robe noire épaisse a enthousiasmé le jury, qui a reconnu en lui un énorme terroir. Le nez s'avère puissant, mûr, les arômes apparaissent bien typés, épicés, d'un fruité rouge pulpeux avec beaucoup de fraîcheur et de finesse. En bouche, équilibré, puissance et plénitude se conjuguent avec un très bel élevage boisé.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 11/1998

“Deep, thick and black – similar to the ’96. You can see the great glycerol. Great, exotic scent. Intense violets. A certain, exciting “musikiness”. Enormous fruit. Great fruit attack. Voluptuous fruit – totally seductive. Not the powerful giant of 1996 but more an enticing, deep fruit profile. Bilberries and all the black fruits. Concentration. So juicy and meaty.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'A saturated purple/plum color is accompanied by gamy, blackberry, and smoked meat aromas. While this wine is rich and full-bodied, the question mark reflects its gritty, astringent tannin and austere personality. At present, it is less of a sure bet than the 1996 or 1997. However, it is a large-scaled, boldly-flavored, but ferociously tannic La Chapelle. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035.' (90+?)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Full colour. Ample, spicy nose. Chocolate and caramel. Good weight. Plenty of ripeness and nice and fresh. Medium-full body. A slight astringency as well as the tannin. This seems to lack a little fat and grip, or at least that which the 1996 has. Good fruit, and rather adolescent at present. It finishes better than it starts. As the wine develops it is easy to see that there is certainly plenty of depth here. Long and satisfying. Very good indeed/Fine.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'From a low-yield, hot-summer vintage, this full-bodied Syrah is still very young and tough, with a plummy, ripe character, chalk, mineral and leather notes and excellent concentration. The tannins are beginning to integrate nicely, but it's still hard. Needs time; best from 2005 through 2020.' (91)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1994

'La robe grenat profond se montre plus brillante que celle des vins précédents. Le nez commence à bien s’organiser, avec des touches florales et épicées assez élégantes. La bouche paraît plus tendre, plus fluide mais sans maigreur, peu acide, bien équilibrée et nuancée. L’ensemble est encore jeune et donne cependant le sentiment d’une évolution assez rapide. Attendre encore cinq ans.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep in colour, but not as thick and dense as 1995 or 1996. Great red fruit nose – raspberries dominant. There is a green-ness here – peppery. But lots of fruit too. Iron and a touch of “rubber”. Lots of tannin. Drink quite soon.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'A dark ruby/plum color reveals less saturation than the 1995, 1996, or 1997. The bouquet offers scents of damp forest, underbrush, prune, truffles, and roasted meats. Medium-bodied, soft, attractively rich, fresh, and vigorous, this excellent La Chapelle can be drunk now, or aged for 15 more years.' (89)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Fullish colour. No sign of development. Slightly dense on the nose. Somewhat four-square. But the wine is in its adolescent phase. Medium body. Lacks a little grip and style compared with the wines above. The attack is ripe and pleasant if a bit one-dimensional, and the wine a little short. Decent fruit but it lacks a bit of style. Good, merely.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'A hot summer and thick-skinned grapes seem to have saved the vintage from the bad rain. This impressive '94 shows balance and refined tannins, but the finish is a bit chewy and hard now. beautifully fresh and clean, with subtle vanilla, blackberry, spice, mocha and chocolate. Best from 2003 through 2010.' (90)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1991

18/20
'Une très belle réussite. Son nez se révèle intense et très fin, avec de belles notes lardées et finement fumées. En bouche, ce 1991 brille par son équilibre et la diversité de sa palette aromatique. Long et frais, il termine en beauté sur des tanins fondus.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008/Janvier 2009 

'La robe commence à évoluer vers le brun, le nez entre en phase de réduction avec des notes camphrées et médicinales qui s’épurent magnifiquement à l’aération. De corps moins monumental, la bouche brille par son délicieux velouté de texture, par sa qualité de son fruit et de ses notes torréfiées. Cette année riche mais tendre fera beaucoup parler d’elle.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Totally thick and black, just showing the beginnings of maturity at the rim. Marvellous, almost “Burgundian” rich nose. Like deep-layered vegetation. Superb projection. Cinnamon toast. Pure liquorice on the palate. Superb richness, with drier tannins underpinning. Roasted aspects. Rich plums. Great wine in a very one-off genre. Black liquorice and leather finish.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'Jacques Jaboulet stated that in 1991, the weather was fine until harvest, when it turned damp and gloomy. The saturated dark ruby/purple-colored 1991 La Chapelle is just beginning to reveal secondary nuances, and is far less evolved than the 1994. Aromas of Asian spices, soy, grilled steak, pepper, and blackberries are beginning to emerge. Ripe and dense, with tart acidity (a cool vintage characteristic), it is a medium t full-bodied, concentrated, impressively. It looks to be slightly better than I originally suggested. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.' (90)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Good colour. Just beginning to show some maturity. Quite evolved on the nose, and not entirely in the right direction. I get a little attenuation here, like a 1983 Bordeaux. Medium to medium-full on the palate. A little tannin, but it is now more or less absorbed. The flavours are reasonably balanced and reasonably stylish. And the wine is fresher than it seems on the nose. Quite long. Just about ready. Good.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'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. Medium-bodied, with aromasof leather, roasted nuts, plum and wood smoke bringing a complexity that seduces. Drink now through 2005.' (94)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1990

19/20
'Moins expressif aujourd'hui que le 1991, le 1990 se montre serré et presque impénétrable. On le sent doté d'une matière énorme et son fruit vibre encorre très fort. D'une grande jeunesse, il faut encore lui laisser quelques années pour exprimer tout son potentiel.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008/Janvier 2009

'La robe noire déploie un gras et une profondeur uniques jusqu’ici. Le nez explose dans un ensemble incroyablement complexe, charnel, sensuel en diable, avec du laurier et des épices, du cuir, du musc, du chocolat, mais aussi une élégance donnée par sa capacité à s’éthériser. La bouche s’avère monumentale. Il s’agit d’un vin cathédrale, dans lequel le velouté de texture – qui permet au vin de tapisser le palais – cache un corps très serré et des tannins massifs. Le potentiel aromatique semble illimité et se signale par une longueur rarissime dans un vin rouge, qui rappelle celle des plus grands portos vintage, sans la sensation alcoolique. Ce millésime d’anthologie entrera dans la légende du cru. Apogée probable vers 2020.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep black crimson. Again, massive “legs” (I hardly ever see or write this). Wonderful fragrant, vivit healthy nose, slightly dormant at the moment. Extreme finesse of bouquet with a rosy bloom. One senses the enormous class. Dancing fruit on the palate. Not as massive as some, and I don’t think quite the ’61 character. More fruit and elegance. Sheer scent and perfume pervades it. Very blackberry finish. Finesse of tannins. Silky texture.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'This is a vintage that produced four potentially perfect Hermitages. Chapoutier’s micro-cuvée called Le Pavillon, and both of Gérard Chave’s Hermitage cuvées (the regular bottling and the limited production Cuvée Cathelin), as well as Jaboulet’s La Chapelle, all flirt with perfection. Undoubtedly, the 1990 La Chapelle is the sexiest and most opulent of these wines. I had the 1990 at the Jaboulet tasting, and again out of a double magnum three months ago. On both occasions it was spectacular, clearly meriting a three-digit score. The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered. The color remains an opaque purple, with only a slight pink at the edge. Spectacular aromatics offer up aromas of incense, smoke, blackberry fruit, cassis, barbecue spice, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. As it sits in the glass, additional nuances of pepper and grilled steak emerge. There is extraordinary freshness for such a mammoth wine in addition to abundant tannin, an amazing 60-second finish, and a level of glycerin and thick, fleshy texture that have to be tasted to be believed. Despite its youthfulness, the 1990 La Chapelle is lovely to drink, although it will be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it should age for 35-40+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2050.
Looking at my original notes, I observed that the late Gérard Jaboulet told me that for this particular vintage they increased the percentage of new oak to 50% (versus the 20-25% normally used), and that the maceration period was an amazing 44 days.' (100)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Splendid colour. Still back at the rim. Full, rich, concentrated, opulent profound nose. Not too adolescent but it still has a way to go. There is really a huge of wine here. Very full and substantial, yet not a bit too muscular. Rich and abundant. Finely balanced with very good ripe acidity. Full of raspberry and blackcurrant. The finish is already very sweet. A big wine of splendid potential, which will be very silky and complex. Very brilliant! But it needs time.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'As expected from this ideal vintage, this '90 is sensational. Inky in color and solidly anchored in its terroir, it springs to l

1989

'La robe penche vers le grenat, avec moins d’éclat que celle du 1990. Les arômes paraissent moins frais, avec des notes de vanille bourbon qui simplifient le caractère habituel de la syrah. Généreux en bouche, un peu fort en alcool, il ne montre pas l’extraordinaire complexité du vin précédent, mais constituera une bouteille fort savoureuse dans une dizaine d’années.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep black crimson. Gloriously “oriental”, exotic bouquet. Cloves, musk, smoky roses. So exciting. Wildly spicy scents and a mouthful of spices. Utterly rich and luscious. So thick and velvety. A huge joy. Coffee and cocoa at the end. “Hot” and rich, but beautifully harmonious and with the “lift” of answering acidity to balance exotic, macerated prunes. I adore this.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'This fabulous, blockbuster Hermitage is far more backward than the 1990. It has been totally unevolved since bottling, but at the Jaboulet tasting, it was beginning to reveal some of its formidable potential. A saturated opaque purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, minerals, and hot bricks/wood fire. Super-ripe and full-bodied, with a massive mid-section, teeth-staining extract, and mouth-searing tannin, this monster-sized La Chapelle is not as compelling of charming as the 1990, but its low acidity, power, and muscle suggest it will, with extended cellaring, rival its more precocious younger sibling. The monumental 1989 has been largely forgotten because of the attention garnered by the 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050.' (96+)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Very good colour. But not as full as either 1988 or 1990. Lovely nose. Fat, rich and ample. Plenty of substance. Lots of concentration. Not too cooked, which some 1989s are, sadly. Succulent and full of charm. Fullish on the palate. Rich and abundant, with very good tannins and a surprisingly good acidity. This is not as classic as the 1988, nor as monstrously exciting as the 1990, but it is ripe and flamboyant and balanced and seductive. The most forward of this brilliant trio of vintages. Very blackberry in flavour. Long and lovely. Very fine.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'A torrid summer with little rain and good weather during the harvest led to a Chapelle of immense potential. Burly and not as seamless as the '90, with layers of this wine's typical plum, mineral and blackberry notes. While monolithic like a granite block, all the pieces should come together as it ages. Best from 2005 through 2030.' (96)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1988

'On franchit une étape dans l’évolution de la robe vers les tons plus cuivrés du vieillissement. Le nez s’exhibe avec facilité dans un registre giboyeux et épicé, présentant des notes tertiaires de torréfaction et de sous-bois. Son corps ne possède pas la richesse du 1989, mais davantage d’équilibre et un grain plus fin. Nous sommes en présence du type classique de La Chapelle, et pour la première fois d’un vin en âge d’être consommé.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Very deep, but more mature than the ’98 or ’90. Wonderfully “cedary” nose. Very classic. Quite unlike other vintages, showing the chameleon character of La Chapelle. Blackcurrants and black pepper. Intense cassis. So pure. So clean and fruity. A very classic, almost “Cabernet” profile. Full-bodied and tangy. Beautifully structured. A real keeper. Irony at the end.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'This was the first vintage in the vertical tasting of La Chapelle that is beginning to reveal considerable secondary nuances and color development. Opaque purple/garnet with a touch of amber at the edge, this sexy, rich effort is more pleasurable aromatically than on the palate. However, it possesses multiple dimensions as well as abundant aromas of cedar, damp forest, spice box, and Asian spices. The soaring bouquet suggested the wine was more mature in flavor than it turned out to be. While dense, with a firm, noticeably tannic edge, full body, and concentrated, powerful flavors, it does not possess the size or unctuosity of either the 1989 or 1990.it is a classy, understated La Chapelle that requires another 5-6 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.' (92)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Fine colour. Still a long way from maturity. Very full if not quite as full as the 1990. Very lovely nose. Cool, concentrated, cedary. This is ripe but marvellously fresh. Gently oaky. Very classy. Full body. Very harmonious, stylish example. Complex. Very long. Very classic. Still needs 5 years but of very fine quality: better than the 1989. It is all thanks to the acidity. Will the 1996 turn out as well?'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'The hot summer with some rain in '88 made thick, full-bodied reds. This is no exception. Still young, closed, with tough, and chewy tannins, with the terroir expressing a mineral, lead pencil and iron-tasting quality. Layered with Hermitage character. Connoisseurs will appreciate it now; others might cellar. Best from 2005 through 2020.' (94)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1985

18/20
'Parfaitement à point et racée, cette Chapelle 1985 affiche de la noblesse, avec ses arômes d'épices et de lard fumé. Sa bouche est juteuse, minérale et d'une grande expression. Intense et long, c'est un très bel hermitage classique.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008/Janvier 2009

'La robe semble plus jeune que celle du 1988. J’ai éprouvé au cours de nombreuses dégustations depuis la mise en bouteille de ce millésime des impressions très différentes. Plusieurs bouteilles en effet paraissaient diluées et prématurément vieillies. Tel n’est pas le cas de ce splendide échantillon, au nez complexe de cuir, de cacao et d’épices, ample et nerveux en bouche, long, racé, plein de réserve.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Very good crimson colour, just maturing and shading off at the rim. Wonderfully rich “Burgundian” bouquet of wet earth and vegetation. Very liquorice and “rubber” taste – rich and “vegetal”, in the good sense! Mocha notes. Very curranty at the end. Coffee tannins. I love drinking this now.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'A saturated dark plum/garnet color with amber at the edge is followed by an attractive smoky, underbrush, and truffle-scented wine with coffee, smoke, cedar, and jammy cassis/plum-like fruit. As the wine sits in the glass, notes of Chinese black tea, pepper, and soy emerge. There is surprising tannin and austerity in the finish, but the aromatics and attack were convincingly rich and intense. From my cellar, the 1985 appears to be developing at an evolved, precocious pace, but at the Jaboulets, the wine revealed far more force, vigor, structure, and weight. Anticipated maturity:2005-2025.'
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Very good colour. Just about mature. Spice rather than cedar wood on the nose. Higher-toned than the 1983. Slightly less rich. Slightly less fresh perhaps. Firm though. Plump and ripe. Still backward. Gets better and better in the glass. Fullish on the palate. Meaty. Very good acidity. Splendidly ripe fruit. Still some unresolved tannin. Long on the follow-through. Complex and impressive. Still needs a year or two. Fine.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'A pleasant, expressive Hermitage, showing a ripe character, with lovely plum, blackberry, lead pencil and leather notes. The tannins are well integrated but still firm. Long finish. Drink now through 2007.' (91)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1983

'Colour older ruby and garnet,  lightening to a burgundy weight.  Bouquet is simply beautiful,  syrah combining the cassis of Bordeaux with some of the florals of Burgundy,  as well as dianthus / carnations,  and fresh white and black pepper,  all melding into definitive piquant syrah mellowed into full maturity,  yet still so fresh.  Palate is firm in one sense (thinking of the claret analogy),  yet soft in another,  very fragrant,  absolutely pure,  still good fruit,  wondrous with food,  the acid balance fresh and refreshing throughout.  Those who have scoffed at this great wine,  and the tannins they claimed it would never outlive,  simply showed their lack of experience with the magic that happens when tannic wines crust in bottle – as here.  Fully mature,  but no great hurry in the next 5,  maybe 10 years.' 
GEOFF KELLY WINE REVIEWS 03/2008

 

'Le brunissement de la robe s’est largement accentué, le nez porte l’empreinte de ce curieux millésime, avec des nuances médicinales et camphrées qui, heureusement, d’affaiblissent à l’air pour laisser place à des notes épicées. La bouche délivre un festival de saveurs épicées (girofle) et mentholées, et semble beaucoup plus jeune que le premier coup de nez. Epanouis, ce vin complexe, mais sans finesse, accompagnera les daubes les plus relevées. Ses tannins s’avèrent assez secs, et j’imagine mal un très long vieillissement supplémentaire.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Very deep, thick colour, maturing and yet dense to the rim. On the nose it is deeply “vegetal” in that Syrah sense. Voluptuous. Liquorice and wine gums. Blackcurrant cigars! Incredibly rich on the palate and yet the tannins are dry – the fruit versus the phenolics. It is this tension and concentration that makes the wine fascinating. Extraordinary aromatic qualities hidden deep in the flavour and texture of the wine.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'With each additional year of evolution, my rating for the 1983 La Chapelle falls. Although impressive early in life, it has taken on less than positive characteristics. The dark garnet color was less saturated than the 1985‘s, revealing substantial amber at the watery edge. The aromatics revealed scents of ground beef, coffee, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco, and damp earth. The wine was noticeably astringent, medium to full-bodied, harsh, and forbiddingly backward and austere. I believe I made an error in judgment when I rated this wine outstanding early in its development. As it matures, the tannin dominates. While no one, even the Jaboulets, wants to give up on the 1983, it has become disjointed and out of balance, with astringent, nasty tannin. My best guess is that it will continue to decline and never live up to its promising beginning. Owners are advised to consume, sell, or trade it.'
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Full colour. Just a little more developed than the 1985. Full, rich, fresh but slightly earthy on the nose. Very good grip. Really quite classy. Plenty of depth. Just about ready. Fat, full, ample, seductive wine with good ripeness and freshness. Good structure. Complex. Classy. Slightly more astringency than in the 1985 at present. But this will have the edge, I think. Lovely cool, long finish. Fine plus.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Fantastic quality makes your palate spin with joy. Warm July and August with timely rains were a recipe for greatness, and this is a vin de garde. Seamless and silky, but also with a firm backbone of mineral, wet earth, plum, blackberry and leather notes. An old-fashioned red with a long finish. Drink now through 2020.' (98)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1982

'La robe arbore une splendide nuance acajou. Le nez très éthéré penche davantage du côté de la Bourgogne, avec des notes de musc, de girofle et de terre. Beaucoup plus fin et subtil que le 1983, arrivé à maturité parfaite, il caresse le palais et laisse admirer des tannins suaves. '
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep, but mature colour. Wonderfully scented – sheer mature fruit perfume. Red fruit, roses and violets. Intriguing roses – pure Syrah fruit. On the palate, lovely, delicious fruit, underpinned by rich, vegetal flavours. A magnificent La Chapelle for now. It has a lovely acidity 'lift' at the end and simply melts in the mouth.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'If the 1983 is developing in an unpleasant fashion, the 1982 is a wonderful surprise. It has always been delicious, but in contrast to its younger sibling, it has put on weight yet retains its exotic, over-the-top style. Fully mature, but capable of tasting 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. Among all the vintages of the eighties and nineties, the 1982 is my favorite for current drinking. Sumptuous and full-bodied, with a creamy texture and sweet tannin, it is a dazzling La Chapelle for consuming over the next decade.'
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Very good colour. Similar to the 1983 and showing no more age, which is surprising. Ample, round, rich, spicy nose. Fully developed. Perhaps not the greatest class, but plump, rise and easy to enjoy. Fullish body, the tannins now just about mellow. Ripe, good and fresh. No enormous dimension, nor length. But a very pleasant, ample example which is now à point. Very good.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'From a vintage that wasn't memorable in Northern Rhône. Srought conditions in the summer may explain the tough, rustic tannins. It's hard to cozy up to this red, but it shows characteristic mineral, leather and black fruit. May soften with time. Drink through 2005.' (79)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1979

'La robe navigue entre le grenat et le brun, les arômes pèchent par manque de complexité, avec des notes végétales. La chair commence à sécher et à rigidifier la perception des tannins. Mais la vinosité du milieu de bouche réveille le verre et le millésime mettant en lumière la qualité de la vendange. Ce vin droit, net, très jeune encore et loin d’avoir atteint son plein épanouissement, pourrait nous faire la même surprise que le 1971.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep and mature. Lovely, spicy, elegant scent. A touch of cocoa to go with the fruit, which is so fresh inspite of the drought in this vintage. Quite “sharp”. Lots of fruity attack. Red fruit rather than black. Not as “thick” as the great years, but a very nice, elegant profile.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'This is brillant dark ruby/purple-colored 1979 still retains a youthful vigor. Spicy, with plenty of smoke, dried herb, pepper, and cassis fruit, this outstanding, smoky, gamy (smoked meats galore), full-bodied, La Chapelle reveals some angularity and rough tannin in the finish, but all other signs are positive. While it does not possess the weight of the bittest, most muscular vintages of La Chapelle, it is an exciting wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.' (90)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Surprisingly full, fresh if mature colour for a 20 year old wine. Mellow, classy, fully mature nose. Nice and crisp. Nothing attenuated here. Medium-full body. Now mature. No hard edges. not the greatest concentration. But attractively lively and fruity. Long, even complex. A thoroughly pleasant bottle which is à point now. Very good.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'After a dry summer, the harvest was interrupted by rain, and this Chapelle shows its age, with plummy wet forest floor, wet leaf and autumn character. Medium-bodied, it's lovely until hard tannins surface on the slightly astringent finish. Drink now through 2005.' (87)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1978

19,5/20
'La jeunesse de ce 1978 est insolente et sa couleur à peine évoluée. Son nez exhale d'intenses notes de fruits, d'eucalyptus et de lard. La bouche est parfaite dans l'équilibre et d'une intensité remarquable, avec une finale gracieuse et suave à souhait. Cet hermitage semble encore capable d'évoluer au moins dix ans.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008/Janvier 2009

'La robe apparaît plus profonde et plus dense que celle du 1979. Le début de brunissement n’entraîne aucune trace d’orangé ou d’acajou. Malgré un long carafage initial, le nez n’a pas atteint sa pleine expression, mais laisse admirer des notes ultra-racées de laurier, de café. La bouche donne une impression de vigueur et de volupté tout à fait admirable. Il s’agit d’un vin assez différent des 1990 et 1996, un peu moins gras, mais d’une densité inoubliable. Il faudrait encore l’attendre cinq à six ans pour que le fondu de tous les éléments adoucisse la structure tannique encore trop ferme.'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep, mature and dense on the rim. Deeply intoxicating, warm arabica coffee nose. Chocolate, cocoa and total allure. Cinnamon. On the palate it is so elegant and delicious with such style and class. This has now matured to so much finesse – the tannins have been tamed and the fruit has maintained all its persistence. Finishes half-lacy and half-pure power. The balance ensures longevity, if you can resists it now. Violets at the end.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'Opaque plum/garnet-colored, with a fabulously sweet, youthful bouquet of licorice, incense, smoked meats, pepper, and blackberry/cassis fruit, the full-bodied 1978 La Chapelle is extremely young with astonishing vigor, velvety tannin, and a full-bodied, multi-dimensional, layered personality. The finish lasts for over 60 seconds. Remarkably fresh and not yet fully mature, the super-concentrated 1978 should continue to age well for another three decades. Anticipated maturity: now-2030.' (100)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Full colour. Now looking as if, at long least, the wine has finally reached maturity. Very composed, extremely vigorous, very lovely concentrated, subtle flavours. Real depth and dimension here. Yes, finally ready. Now à point on the palate. Fullish. The tannins now well absorbed. Indeed no hard edges. The wine is very complex., marvellously harmonious and very, very long on the palate. Sweet finish. Sublime! A splendid wine. A great Hermitage.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'From a famous vintage for Hermitage, greatness in a glass of wine. A deeply colored, thick yet elegant blockbuster, this 21-years-old red has reached that seamless level of balance – ripe fruit, clean acidity, smooth tannins. So sit back for a vinous ride through exciting mineral, plum, blackberry, cassis, horse stable and roasted nut loops. Drink now through 2020.' (99)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1976

'La robe se dégrade largement sur les bords du disque et fait son âge. Le nez très ouvert et suave rappelle le 1982, avec des notes de cuir et de musc. La bouche pleinement épanouie surprend par sa suavité et ne rappelle guère la sécheresse de l'été. Voici sans doute le vin le mieux conservé du millésime, mais il ne faut pas lui demander la chair et la race du 1978.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep, dark molasses. Gloriously rich, “vegetal” nose. Musky, meaty – mixture of beef and lamb! Exotic cinnamon and coffee too. Toffee taste. Great richness. Great plummy fruit. So soft and melting and yet huge layers of flavour. Forget this vintage of La Chapelle at your peril. Drink now.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'Showing far better than any bottles from my cellar, the dark plum/garnet-colored 1976 La Chapelle reveals considerable amber at the edge. A sweet attck offers spice box, fruit cake, dried herb, licorice, ginger, and currant aromas. While there is some herbaceousness, the wine reveals a creamy richness as well as fully mature, medium to full-bodied, glycerin-imbued mid-palate and finish. The 1976 requires consumption over the next 6-7 years.' (87)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'A drought year with a large crop left critics cool – to the dismay of the Jaboulet. An attractive Hermitage, but the fruit isn't as deep as in other vintages. Offering smoke, blackberry and cherry character, it's ready to drink, although the tannins are slightly rough. Dries a bit on the finish. Drink now through 2005.' (83)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1975

'On entre ici dans les nuances mordorées des vieux vins. On s'attend alors au raffinement que l'on éprouve avec eux… et l'on ne se trompe pas ! Le nez ravit par la finesse et le libre déploiement d'arômes floraux et épicés. La bouche souple et suave séduit immédiatement par sa fluidité et la complexité de ses nuances tertiaires. Ce réel tour de force dans une année particulièrement difficile a nécessité un tri impitoyable du raisin. Un quart de siècle plus tard, le vinificateur touche les dividendes.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Browner than younger vintages. Musky scent, mature and yet very much “en vie”. Some bitterness but lots of irony, liquorice fruit too. Would be fantastic with something really gamey, like wild duck. Drink now, before the tannins become drier.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'Jacques Jaboulet told me there were 48 hours of heavy rain at the beginning of the 1975 harvest, which effectively destroyed any possibility of a good vintage. The 1975 La Chapelle possesses a murky garnet color with a watery edge. The nose offers up roasted vegetable, Asian spices, Peking duck hoisin sauce, tobacco, and black currant aromas. While soft, round, and surprisingly drinkable, the short, clipped finish is a defect. It is a palatable, much better La Chapelle than reputed. While it faded quickly in the glass, it was initially pleasant and fragant. Drink it up.' (85)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Good fullish mature colour. No sign of age. Well matured nose. Undergrowth and earth and bark. Such fruit as there was has dried up. On the palate there is some ripeness and sweetness. Some acidity. But not much class or depth. This is not very exciting and should be drunk soon. But it is very good example of the vintage.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Tasted from magnum. Terrible weather – it rained for two days before the harvest – led to rot. But severe eliminaiton of poor grapes produced this full-bodied Chapelle. Delivers plum, mineral, blackberry, smoke and roasted gape character, but a somewhat crisp finish gives away the difficult vintage. Drink now through 2010.' (88)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1972

'La robe apparaît largement mordorée. Un nez tertiaire subtil de cuir, de laurier, de sous-bois sur une trame minérale, laisse espérer une un peu plus pleine qu'elle n'est. L'attaque conserve de la fraîcheur, mais le vin commence à faiblir en fin de bouche. Il est temps de le boire.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'There are massive “legs” on the three vintages 1972, 1971 and 1970. The wine falls slowly down the glass leaving a trail like a snail, a sure sign of glycerol and 'fat'. A bouquet of glorious chocolate and iron. Smoky blackcurrants. Tremendous, almost sweet scent. Smells like a great, much older wine from the Côte de Nuits. Vanilla pods and cinnamon sticks. Russian leather. Huge tannin and acidity. Great vegetal richness with a chocolate and coffee aftertaste and smoky fruit. A real pleasure to drink now and a wine that is very 'together'.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'One of the more disappointing bottles I have had of this wine (I have drunk close to three cases as it is the red wine of the vintage), this example revealed a dark ruby/garnet color with considerable amber at the edge. The 1972 has always possessed plentiful acidity, but this bottle revealed even more than what has been consumed from my cellar. The wine exhibited a tell-tale, peppery, spicy nose with well-displayed smoked Syrah fruit notes. However, in the mouth, the fruit appeared to be fading, and the acidity as well as tannin had taken the upper hand. If this is typical of the evolution of the 1972, the acidity has become dominant and the wine has become attenuated. A bottle tasted in late 1998, which merited a score in the low nineties, was a complex, full-bodied wine still in possession of its glycerin and fruit.' (88?)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Fullish, mature colour. No sign of age. Mellow nose. An element of the sweet and sour but neither maderised nor too lean. No astringency either. This is rather riper than most Burgundies are at this stage. After all it is now 27 years. Medium to medium-full body. Fresh. Slightly lean and one–dimensional at the end but the attack is pleasant. Still enough fruit to be enjoyed. I would rather have this than the 1975.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Rain at the end of the harvest set the stage for a mediocre vintage. A bit light for La Chapelle, but delicate and elegant, with black truffle, horse stable and cherry character. Turns astringent on the mouthpuckeringly chewy finish. Drink now through 2005.' (81)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1971

'Voici l'une des grandes révélations de la dégustation. J'ai bu fort abondamment ce millésime au début des années quatre-vingt, lorsqu'il semblait pleinement épanoui, mais dans un registre mineur. Le vieillissement supplémentaire révèle ses vraies dimensions. Le nez n'arrête pas de s'enrichir à l'air avec une densité épicée incroyable, et la bouche suit dans la même direction de richesse aromatique et de droiture de constitution. Exceptionnellement épanoui, il ne donne pas le moindre signe de fatigue et conviendra aux plats les plus riches.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

“Intense, rich, scented wet vegetation on the nose. Lots of fruit – astonishing. Great coffee “bite” to it. Strong aromatic tannins. Dark, bitter chocolate finish. Drink now.”
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'I purchased the1971 La Chapelle inexpensively, and consumed more than three cases over the last three decades. It was delicious upon release, yet remarkably, it remains a thrilling wine. Resembling a Hermitage made in the image of Pomerol, this succulent, low acid, silky-textured La Chapelle continues to age effortlessly, with no loss of a fat or fruit. The color us opaque garnet with considerable amber at the edge. The hedonistic bouquet offers up smoky, dried herb, coffee, roasted meat, and blackberry/cassis aromas. Fully mature since the mid-seventies, this wine demonstrates what perfect balance can mean in terms of the evolution of a great wine from a stunning terroir. The wine is full-bodied, hedonistic, opulently-textured, exotic, and intensely fragrant and rich. How much longer it will age is the question, but it is revealing no signs of decline. Drink it up.' (93)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

“Very well matured colour. Even old. But was full once. Well matured nose. Classy, complex, but now fading, I fear. Medium weight, was bigger when it was more vigorous. Now soft, complex, classy, and sweet at the end. Very harmonious. But getting quite delicate. Fine. Was even better 10 years ago.”
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Tasted from magnum. From a vintage that the Jaboulet believe was underrated. More elegant than ripe, this red is still clean and fresh. Shows a bitter chocolate, plum and smoke intensity that kicks into high gear on the lingering, minerally, chalky, firm, chewy finish. For lovers of terroir character. Drink now through 2010.' (89)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1970

'La robe se montre acajou, mais avec une viscosité supérieure à celle des vins précédents. Le nez vanillé et très séduisant tournoie dans le verre mais de façon plus superficielle que le 1971, dans des registres floraux (iris, rose ancienne) assez surprenants. Harmonieux, suave, long, il dévoile moins de personnalité du terroir que son cadet, et se relâche un peu en fin de bouche. Cependant il s'agit d'un vin commercial, idéal pour une première approche du cru, et arrivé à pleine maturité.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

“Deepest, blackest, thickest and youngest colour of the trio 1972, 1971 and 1970. Rich fruity, treacle and molasses nose. Really intoxicating. Heady; smoky and meaty. Enormous fruit and youthful acidity. Has lasted in an extraordinary robust and fresh manner. No overt tannins, just a perfect “balance of power”. Elegance and a cherry centre flavours that is riveting. A huge success and a relative surprise.”
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'The 1970 was another vintage I was lucky enough to buy early and enjoy multiple times. It has always been a fabulous La Chapelle. The showing at the Jaboulet tasting was totally in keeping with the way this wine has always performed. In a blind tasting it could easily be mistaken for a first-growth Pauillac. The dark garnet color reveals light amber at the edge. The spectacular aromatics (always a characteristic of very ripe vintages of La Chapelle) exhibit tell-tale Asian spice, soy, smoked meats, chocolate, pepper, blackberry, and cassis fruit scents. Lush, ripe, full-bodied, and oozing with concentration and glycerin, this expansive, voluptuously-textured La Chapelle is fully mature, sumptuous, and gorgeously pure and long. The perfectly integrated tannin and acidity are nearly obscured by the wine’s flesh, succulence, and intensity. Drink it over the next decade.' (94)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Splendid colour. Full, rich and vigorous. Fresher than the 1971 and 1969, indeed surprisingly fresh. Very fine on the nose. Full but velvety. Ripe, rich and complex. Very subtle and splendidly harmonious. All the fragrance of lovely old mature Syrah. Fresh but not a blockbuster. Still very vigorous on the palate. Very cassis in flavour. Full and smooth. Yet long and multi-dimensional. This is very distinguished. Very long and very lovely. Still has bags of life.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Supposedly just an easy, 'commercial' vintage, this is still going strong. This dark, broofing, thisk, very impressive 29-year-old wine shows an old-fashioned chestnut character but also ripe fruit and firm but well-integrated tannins. Drink now through 2015.' (93)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1969

'La robe brun acajou apparaît plus terne que celle du 1970. Le nez concentré manque un peu de charme, en revanche sa minéralité exprime profondément le terroir. Une bouche épicée et ferme, une texture dense mais moins exceptionnelle que celle du 1971, en réalité assez austère, donne le sentiment que le vin ne se livre pas encore complètement. Un Hermitage viril, à l'ancienne.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Mature but deep colour. One of the best bouquets of the whole tasting. Extreme fruity richness. Quite wonderful scent of great breed. Heady marinated raspberries – perhaps marinated in La Chapelle ’69! Intense and lingering – totally addictive. Great “vegetation” and fruit richness on the palate. The tannins are drying but are overlaid with complex dried fruit flavours of figs and prunes. Fascinating. A very “adult” wine. Great diversity and individuality of flavour.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'Dark garnet/plum-colored with significant amber at the edge, this is a solidly made, monolithic, foursquare example with plenty of peppery, cedar, leather, and coffee characteristics in the moderately intense bouquet. A sweet attack is followed by a lean, austere wine with a dry middle. Medium-bodied, without the size and concentration of the 1970, or the exotic opulence of the 1971, the 1969 is a fine La Chapelle that has been mature for more than a decade. It appears to be easily holding onto life. The wine did, however, become more attenuated and drier with the fruit fading as it sat in the glass. Drink it up.' (89)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Full, mature, vigorous colour. More robust, spicier nose than the 1970. More volume. More structure and more tannin. Is it better? It is fuller. The acidity is good. There is plenty of fruit. But there is no rich and aromatic and has good grip at the end. But the 1970 is rounder, sweeter and classier. The 1969 is fine though.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Intense but a bit tough, with a pronounced mushroom, wet earth, forest underbrush, 'old wine' character. Turns astringent on the mouthpuckering finish, but still pretty exotic, with plum and mineral below the surface. Drink now through 2002.' (80)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1967

'La robe est acajou, avec des dégradés mordorés. Le nez s'avère étonnant de finesse et d'épanouissement, dans un registre floral de fleurs macérées, d'iris, de musc et de civette. La bouche commence à se décharger, mais elle charmera les amateurs de vin un peu décadents par son fondu, sa finesse et son absence de toute violence alcoolique. Un vin sage et apaisé.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Mature but deep colour. Majestic bouquet of utter complexity. Nose of a pot pourri of flowers. Deep dried apricots. Riveting mocha and raisins. Incredible taste of currants, dried apricots, tar and cassis. Great wine. So seamless all through. Extraordinary layers of fruit. The fruit profile is so young. It leaps out of the glass at you and lasts so long in the mouth. Still great black fruit and yet with maximum aromatic complexity. Startling.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'An evolved, garnet/amber color suggests a much older wine. The 1967 is a lush La Chapelle that appears to be on the verge of breaking up. There is an initial gush of sweet, jammy, cedar, cherry, and herb-tinged aromas and flavors, but the sweetness dissipated quickly in the glass. This wine, which was probably upon release, is still pleasant, but it requires consumption.' (87)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Full surprisingly so, but well-matured colour. Soft, fragrant but slightly faded on the nose. Yet there is more an echo still left. Nicely flowery. Certainly high-toned. Still fresh. Medium body. Less enjoyable than the nose because the wine is quickly astringent at the edges of the palate. Decent acidity. Good fresh fruit if it no real concentration. But now at the end of its life. Was good in its time.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Offers ripe plum but tastes a bit light, with salt water, fish stock, mushroom and chestnut character. Intensity on the drying finish.' (79)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1966

'La robe apparaît acajou, pleinement mûre. Le nez admirable de finesse et de grâce exhale d'innombrables nuances musquées qui appellent le plus noble gibier à plume ! En bouche, on note pour la première fois des nuances végétales, mais avec une telle finesse aromatique, un tel charme, qu'on remonte un peu la vallée du Rhône vers la Côte Rôtie. Le fumet en bouche est vraiment divin. Il ne manque plus que les bécasses !'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'A bit yellower than the ’69 and ’67. Lots of links with the 1967 on the nose. A superb, rich, aromatic bouquet of great class. Rich, youthful mint and cassis. Intense, persistent and full of spicy chocolate. Voluptuous taste. More acidity than the ’67. Great prunes and damsons. Superb attack and freshness. Coffee liqueur at the end.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'The 1966 La Chapelle’s bouquet possessed the most spectacular and persistent aromas of any wine in the vertical tasting. Dried herbs, new saddle leather, soy, roasted duck, grilled steack, and copious quantities of cassis, blackberry, and prune notes soared from the glass of this spectaculary fragrant effort. The promise exhibited by the bouquet did not come through on the palate. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of life remaining in this glycerin-imbued, expansive, lush, low acid, concentrated La Chapelle. The smoky, peppery, exotic spice characteristics, and multilayered richness are still present, but the wine begins to disintegrate as it sits in the glass. From pristinely stored bottles as well as magnums, it may be one of the more thrilling La Chapelle. It should be drunk up.' (84?)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Fine mature colour. Slightly fuller and fresher than the 1964. This is very, very lovely on the nose. Fresh and vigorous. Full and complex and very classy the epitome of balance and elegance. Still very sweet and succulent. Mellow and cedary. On the palate the wine is very fine indeed. Fullish, vigorous yet mellow. No hard edges. The tannins totally integrated. Smooth yet with lots of energy. The fruit very cool and classy. Quite superb! Still bags of life. Once again it shows that high acidity are the key to great wine. Better than the 1964. I even prefer this to the 1978.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'From a great vintage, with two months of fine weather that lasted through the harvest. Full-bodied, balanced and still lively, with richly flavored plum, blackberry, leather and smoke notes. Very expressive on the nose, it's more acidic and expressive that the '64, which is softer and riper. Drink now through 2010.' (94)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1964

'Cet autre vin de charme semble moins subtil que le 1966. La robe apparaît un peu plus pleine, le nez moins éthéré, la forme un peu plus ronde et plus voluptueuse, moelleuse, avec sans doute moins de fraîcheur et de grâce, moins de 'terroir', mais le tout dans un état de conservation surprenant. Il s'agit du premier millésime vinifié par Jacques Jaboulet – et avec quel talent !'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'Deep molasses colour. Vegetation and smoke on the nose, with cassis, cinnamon and cloves. A touch of sharpness and lots of earthiness. On the palate one feels acidity, excellent fruit and aromatic tannins, which are just beginning to dry. Supple and easy but with marked character and personality.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'This fully mature La Chapelle exhibits a dark garnet color wiht considerable amber at the edge. Aromas of wood fires, smoke, leather, Asian spices, roasted vegetables, and meats emerge from the wine’s bouquet. Burly, brawny, fat, and full, with low acidity, high alcohol, and copious glycerin and fruit, this 1964 is initially sumtuous, creamy-textured, and spectacular to drink, but it quickly cracks up as it sits in the glass. I have not had much previous experience with this vintage, but I suspect it was close to perfect when drunk in its prime (the seventies and early eighties). However, it is cleary at the end of its useful life, and should be consumed … quickly.' (93?)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Full, mature colour. A point. Very lovely nose. Ripe, fat, vigorous and very classy. The fruit is very concentrated. Very succulent. Round and rich and complex. Totally together and not a hint of age. Full, rich, even more vigorous than the 1966 if not quite as cool and classy. More structure. A faint touch of astringency. But splendid fruit and concentration. Splendid class and intensity. Not so long and mellow at the end as the 1966 but another very fine wine indeed.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'A warm summer led to supple, low-acidity wines. This Chapelle reflects the vintage – smooth, silky and full-bodied. Less expressive than the '66, but tastes rounder and richer. Melts on the palate as it delivers white chocolate, spice, fresh plum and freshly roasted coffee bean. Seems younger than you'd expect from a 35-year-old wine. Frink now through 2005.' (94)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1962

'La robe est largement dégradée dans le brun des vieilles syrahs. Le nez tertiaire ne dispose pas de la palette si complexe des précédents, mais la bouche a conservé les notes typées de laurier, de muscade et de girofle des millésimes sévères.'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'The ’62 and ’59 seem the same colour. Nose of bittermints, chocolate and cassis. Great black (Russian?) leather. Raisins and roses. Great taste of roasted raisins. Soft dried damson fruit. Prunes. Dry, but intoxicating. A panoply of great dried fruit. Figs at the end – still juicy.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'Another La Chapelle on the verge of cracking up, this drinkable, earthy, spicy, garnet/amber-colored 1962 exhibits complex aromatics, a sweet, soft, round entry , medium body, a velvety texture, and opulent, fruity flavours. After 3-4 minutes in the glass, its acidity and tannin move to the forefront, and the fruit quickly fades. Interestingly, as it began to fade it took on the characteristics of an old Gruaud-Larose from the fifties. Owners should consume it immediately.' (90)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Fine colour. Only a little less vigorous than the 1964, and only a little less full. Just a very faint hint of volatile acidity on the nose. Aromatic. Lighter and less intense than the 1966 and 1964. But not faded. Still fresh. Medium body now. Has lightened up and lost some of its fruit and fat. Yet ripe, balanced and most enjoyable. Still complex, still fresh, still sweet. Still lovely.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'Shows good intensity and concentration, but turns a bit fry on the palate, with chewy tannins on the finish. The final impression is that of a rustic Hermitage with chestnut, dark chocolate and plum.' (77)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999

1961

20/20
'Une fois de plus la légende est au rendez-vous, le mythe demeure intact car ce 1961 n'a rien perdu de sa superbe. D'une intensité et d'une complexité incroyables, cet hermitage déploie des notes fabuleuses de moka, de poivre, de truffe, de lard fumé et de fruits rouges. Sa bouche boulverse par sa suavité, sa délicatesse. La finale semble interminable... Quelle volupté!'
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Décembre 2008/Janvier 2009

What is the most memorable bottle of wine you've had?
'I've had so many momorable bottles of wine that it would be difficult to name a single bottle. I can, however, share one of the highs. It's a bottle of Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage 'La Chapelle' 1961, which I had in 1993 at Comme Chez Soi, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Brussels. The wine was rich and well-balanced, with finesse and compexity. It is one of the greatest wines in the world.'
NK YONG - THE SUNDAY TIMES - 26/12/2007

'Servi un peu après la dégustation, au cours du repas qui l'a suivie, ce millésime mythique du cru de montre à la hauteur de l'attente : la robe se révèle incroyablement dense et peu évoluée, paraissant par exemple vingt ans de moins que celle du 1996. Le nez développe une générosité formidable dans tous les registres propres à cette cuvée : le laurier, les épices (muscade et girofle), les petits fruits noirs (myrtille), le cuir, le musc, le tabac de Virginie (qui le rapproche de certains grands bordeaux), le tout dans une harmonie qu’on ne retrouve dans aucun autre millésime. En bouche, sa plénitude est inentamée par l'âge, et sa faculté de tapisser le palais en laissant une longue trace mentholée comme un grand Château Margaux émerveille même les dégustateurs les plus blasés. Il représente incontestablement le vin le plus riche et le plus complet de la dégustation, plus voluptueux que le 1978. Seul le 1990 semble en mesure de l'égaler un jour lointain – mais que l'on espère quand même voir !'
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE 12/1999 - 01/2000

'The colour is barely touched by age. A great bouquet of smoky violets and smoked reindeer meat. The extraordinary richness on the palate is astonishing. Sheer, rich coffee. Unparalleled glycerol. Rich leather? Black winegums and liquorice. A masterpiece of gigantic proportions.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'This is unquestionably one of the greatest wines made in the twentieth century. In the two dozen tastings where I have had the 1961 La Chapelle, I rated it 100 points twenty times. It could be mistaken for the 1961 Latour or 1961 Latour à Pomerol in a blind tasting. The opaque purple/garnet color is accompanied by spectacular aromatics representing the essence of old wine Syrah (smoked meat, pepper, hoisin sauce, and soy). As the wine sits in the glass, notions of pepper, new saddle leather, grilled meat, and awesome levels of blackberry, plum, and blak currant liqueur-like notes emerge. Extremely unctuous, with compelling concentration and purity, this full-bodied, seamless, mouthfilling 1961 is truly immortal. It still possesses a freshness and vigor that defy its nearly forty years of age. It should continue to drink well for two more decades. Prodigious stuff!' (100)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Very fine full, vigorous mature colour. Deep right to the rim. Very lovely nose indeed. Intense and classy and rich and mellow. Marvellous complexity and depth. Very clean. Very persistent. On the palate the wine is full but very full-flavoured. Opulent. Remarkable grip. Rich. Fine acidity. Very intense. Very lovely. This has splendid class, splendid complexity and such a concentration of fruit that is very sweet on the palate. A great wine without a doubt. Still very very vigorous. Yet ripe and silky smooth. Very fine long finish. Magnificent.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/19