2019 Paul Jaboulet-Aine Hermitage La Chapelle (750ml)

Syrah from Hermitage, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Driving through the Northern Rhône Valley past the steeply sloping hillsides south of Tain L’Hermitage, first time visitors might notice a small centuries old chapel perched unassumingly among rows of vines. But lovers of Northern Rhone Syrah recognize this landmark as the hallowed ground of one of the greatest wines in the world, La Chapelle. Planting vineyards here almost two centuries ago, Antoine Jaboulet was at the forefront of establishing Hermitage (the region in fact named for the hermit who used to live in the chapel) as one of the most important wine producing regions of the world and later giving his name to the company – Paul Jaboulet Ainé (Ainé meaning the elder in French). It is always with great excitement that we offer a selection of the outstanding, highly rated wines of Jaboulet at incredible pre-arrival pricing, from the exceptional 2019 vintage.

Passed down from generation to generation and expanding through the years, Jaboulet now owns 120 hectares, producing fine wines from twenty six other appellations. Ten years after the untimely death of Gerard Jaboulet and a subsequent decline in quality, the Frey family, also owners of Château La Lagune in Bordeaux and part-owner of Champagne house Billecart-Salmon, purchased Jaboulet in 2006. Oenologist Caroline Frey implemented new winemaking practices (including a new barrel program from Bordeaux) and viticultural improvements (including a shift to organic and biodynamic vineyard practices), spearheading the estate’s recent renaissance and culminating in the stellar 2019 vintage. The extraordinary 2019 Jaboulet La Chapelle Hermitage is made from 100% Syrah from their top vineyard sites including Les Bessards, Le Meal and Les Rocoules. Formerly known as “Le Petite Chapelle,” the 2019 Jaboulet Hermitage Maison Bleue is sourced from the Rocoules section of the Hermitage hill, making it more approachable at a younger age. Sourced from the pebble-strewn lieu-dit Les Chassis, a vineyard owned by Jaboulet since its founding in 1834, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert exhibits Hermitage-like truffle nuances and velvety tannins. And for fans of Hermitage Blanc, the Marsanne-dominated 2019 Hermitage Le Chevalier De Sterimberg Blanc is elegant and cellar-worthy.

Upon taking over at Jaboulet, Carolyn Frey stated her aim for the estate was a simple one - “Nothing less than perfection.” The 2019 Jaboulet wines hit the mark, establishing a new standard for excellence upon a centuries-old tradition of excellence, offering exceptional quality now for an exceptional price.

98WA

Last year, I giddily speculated whether the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle would warrant a 100-point score. While close—and I wouldn't completely discount it reaching that pinnacle in another decade or two—I'm not sure this wine is as good as I thought. It boasts exciting aromas of roasted meat, mocha, crushed stone, plum and cassis on the nose. It's full-bodied, concentrated, richly tannic and velvety in texture. It's long and complex on the finish, adding hints of cracked pepper and salted licorice. And yet, as much as I enjoyed tasting it and as undeniably great it is, angels didn't sing from the heavens. Maybe next bottle.

98+ points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

Alcohol By Volume: 15.5%

#FRJBHE19AE

$179.98

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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