A few la chapelles to ring in the fall

Ben and Laura were in town. This time we decided to have a few la chapelles and dine at the Bristol where Phil was able to join as well We weren't able to decant the 00 and 97 as well as we would've liked, but it didn't matter too much in the end.

• 2000 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  nose: this was showing well with a good roasted meat base and tones of dark red cherries, dark red fruits, charcoal, black pepper and some violets. Well balanced with nice depth.
  
  taste: Medium/full bodied with good tannins that show off the youth of the wine. Very nice feel with medium acidity and tones of dark red cherries, bacon fat, violets, and black pepper.
  
  overall: This was served from magnum. It held pretty consistent and was decanted for about an hour beforehand. This showed pretty well, and though it is on the young side it is drinking very well.

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• 1997 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle 92 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  nose: this took a slight bit to open up. Once it did, there were really good tones of black truffles, black pepper, dark red cherries, spices, and some violets. Very good depth as well on this.
  
  taste: Medium bodied with medium+ acidity and chewy tannins. Still youthful on the palate with real nice tones of violets, dark red cherries, spices and black pepper. The tannins are still a bit rough, but the depth is there.
  
  overall: this actually came across as younger than the 00 that was from magnum. Still, I enjoyed it more this time around than 3 years ago. I hope to have this again in 3-5 years to see where it's at then.

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• 1982 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle 94 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  nose: a little reticent at first, but gained with more air and time in the glass. Very aromatic and balanced with refined tones of black and white pepper, roasted meats, violets, some celery roots, dark berries, florals and some dark red fruits. Very complex with it taking a while to get everything on it.
  
  taste: Medium bodied with medium acidity and fine grained tannins. Slightly delicate at first, but rounded into form with silky and refined tones of black and white pepper, roasted meats, violets, potpourri, dark red cherries and a nice dose of florals on the back end.
  
  overall: This needed some air to truly get going. Once it did, it became something gorgeous and flowing. This was bottle aired at the restaurant from the beginning and was had last.

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A great dinner, great wines, and great friends. Always equals a wonderful night and I certainly enjoyed myself.