Tasted Saturday, November 4, 2006 by antiwood with 887 views
This tasting may have sold a few more on the N. Rhone, unfortunately. The La Chapelle's showed consistent themes (other than 1994) of classic Syrah, saddle leather, floral characteristics, white pepper. Fruit being present but secondary to structure and an extremely balanced frame of fine tannins with fresh acidity. While power was present it was understatement and elegance that prevailed. The comparison of similar wine making between Hermitage and Cornas really highlighted the differences and while the Cornas' were fun and wonderful, the Hermitage's was two steps up in class and elegance. La Chapelle really rocks.
Great tasting. The Cornas's were wild and wooly and great examples. The La Chapelle's were stately, fiery, complex. The 1983 wowed the entire group and was drinking perfectly. The 1990 was latent perfection. The only complaints were minor and they were that the 1989 and 1997 were perhaps overripe. The 2001 looked like Jaboulet is back .. a well made wine but not the pure concentration and power of great years such as 1990.
1998 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage Blanc Chevalier de Sterimberg
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Straw tinted yellow. Waxy, fresh hay, cocoanut, pear, honey, mineral notes combine for a complex and vibrant nose. Very structred mouthfeel, mineral, bitter notes. Firm, chewy, pebbles in the finish. This wine is more Marsanne dominated in the flavor provile and extremely interesting and would appear to be a great food wine. Showing very well but perhaps even better in five years.
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