2011 | Paul Jaboulet Aîné | Hermitage La Chapelle

Inky ruby. Heady aromas of candied dark berries, incense, violet and licorice, with a smoky topnote that gains strength with aeration. Offers sweet, palate-staining blueberry and cherry-cola flavors that are lifted and sharpened by juicy acidity. Broad, supple and spicy on the finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins and sexy floral pastille and spicecake nuances.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: The 2011 Hermitage La Chapelle represents about one-third of the production. It could turn out to be a modern day replay of the 1991. Aged in small oak (around one-third to one-half new), this wine comes from the estate’s extensive holdings in Le Meal as well as smaller holdings in Les Bessards and Les Rocoules. It boasts a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of graphite, licorice, forest floor, pepper, blackberries and hints of smoked duck and charcuterie.

• James Suckling: 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. This is another 1991 in the making.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné has been a part of the Rhône Valley wine industry for almost two centuries, beginning with a small plot of land on the hills of Hermitage, before expanding throughout the region. Today, it encompasses more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of vineyards, making wines from the northern and southern Rhône, spanning Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu and Cornas. In 1834, Antonie Jaboulet began working the hills of Hermitage, growing and cultivating the vines that would lay the framework for future generations. On his death, the estate was passed to his sons Henri and Paul – the latter eventually giving his name to wines and the company. The estate was passed through the Jaboulet family until its acquisition by Franco-Swiss real-estate millionaire Jean-Jacques Frey and family in 2006. Winemaking at Jaboulet is overseen by Frey's daughter, Caroline, who also manages winemaking at Frey's other estates (Bordeaux's Château La Lagune and Château Corton-C in Aloxe-Corton) as well has her own project (Mon Jardin Secret) in the Valais. The Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle is the estate's flagship wine and is one of the most sought-after wines from the Rhône, reaching high prices at auction. It is named for a 13th Century church built atop Hermitage (see image), which became the property of the company in 1919. The grapes for this 100 percent Syrah come from the best terroirs the company has access to, including famed vineyards Les Bessards, Le Méal and Les Rocoules. There is also a white La Chapelle made from a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, exclusively from the Les Rocoules estate. The winery also produces the rare Chevalier de Stérimberg Hermitage Blanc from 70 percent Marsanne and 30 percent Roussanne. On top of this, Paul Jaboulet makes a wide range of wines made in the northern Rhône based on Syrah for reds, and Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier for the whites. This is complemented by several wines from the southern Rhône, including the Parallel 45 Côtes du Rhône.

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