While the 1962 La Chapelle is always destined to lie in the shadow of the 1961, the wine is drinking beautifully today, even for 375 ml, and is clearly well worth seeking out. Reminiscent of a more concentration (and somewhat less evolved, by the way) version of the estate's 1982, it offers up deep aromas of wild berries, orange rind, boot polish, vine smoke, heather and partridge, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate with impressive depth at the core, lively acids and largely melted structuring tannins. Long and penetrating, it tastes like the essence of Hermitage, even if it isn't a "hors normes" wine like the 1961.
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3/3/2023 - burginner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still alive, slight oxidation
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8/15/2022 - William Kelley Likes this wine: 95 Points
While the 1962 La Chapelle is always destined to lie in the shadow of the 1961, the wine is drinking beautifully today, even for 375 ml, and is clearly well worth seeking out. Reminiscent of a more concentration (and somewhat less evolved, by the way) version of the estate's 1982, it offers up deep aromas of wild berries, orange rind, boot polish, vine smoke, heather and partridge, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate with impressive depth at the core, lively acids and largely melted structuring tannins. Long and penetrating, it tastes like the essence of Hermitage, even if it isn't a "hors normes" wine like the 1961.
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1/26/2014 - Lord Rayas wrote: 95 Points
MNSC Annual Dinner (Country Club Grill): drinking beautifully now. very pretty nose, almost burgundian. lovely.
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5/11/2010 - Rupert wrote: 92 Points
Hermitage La Chapelle - complete vertical 1961-2005 (Institute of Directors, London): Light, faded, but very pretty - fine and rather lovely
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2/9/2008 - Burgundy Al wrote: 90 Points
Great Older Wines at the Place to Drink Great Older Wines; 2/8/2008-2/9/2008 (Tampa FL): I'm not normally a fan of Jaboulet Chapelle and this is my first time with the 1962. So no surprise, I'm not a fan. Most others liked this wine more than I did tonight. Big black fruit with good pepper and spice, just too much barnyard for me.
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