Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Paul Jaboulet Aine
Label Name:
 
Hermitage la Chapelle
Vintage:
 
1978
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Hermitage, Northern Rhône
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Syrah
Method:
 
Hand-harvested Syrah from top Hermitage parcels; traditional fermentation and extended maceration, matured roughly 18 months in French oak barrels (mix of large old casks and some new oak).
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Full-bodied, concentrated Syrah: blackcurrant/cassis, licorice, violets, smoked meat, truffle and leather with espresso/cocoa notes, velvety tannins and a very long, mineral finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roasted rack of lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, mushroom/truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (galbi), char siu, braised beef noodle soup, sichuan-style beef or lamb skewers.
Vineyard Info:
 
Paul Jaboulet Aîné, founded 1834; La Chapelle is the estate flagship from premier parcels (Les Bessards, Le Méal), long regarded as one of Hermitage's greatest wines.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #129, Jun 2000) 100 pts; Jeb Dunnuck / eRobertParker (Sept 2015) 100 pts; Vinous (Antonio Galloni) ~96 pts; Decanter tasting notes and commercial listings corroborate high scores and long aging potential