2012 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle

Community Tasting Note

Collector1855 wrote:

96 Points

Thursday, September 17, 2015 - P. Jaboulet Aine - Hermitage la Chapelle 1995-2015: One of the the classic names of Hermitage (next to Chave and Chapoutier) which had a quality struggle for a good 15 years until it was bought up by the Frey family in 2006 (Champagne Bilcart Salmon, Chateau La Lagune). Tasting note: PnP, dark purple, wow, this 2012 really rocks. Distinctive Rhone North nose with black pepper, smoke, bbq meat, oak and very ripe dark fruit, deep and complex. On the palate the tannins are present but very soft. No doubt that they found the optimal point of concentration, freshness, structure and fruit in this vintage. Powerful but not heavy, really a great success - a bit lighter and not far off from the 2010. The later will be a monument, (an iconic vintage in Europe, be it CdP, Rhone North, Barolo, Brunello, Bordeaux) even more compact and precise meriting 2-3 points more. However, the smart money goes to the 2012, an unpretentious, cheaper vintage. Kudos to the Frey family for saving this estate from the abyss. Btw, the tannins are so soft you can actually try a bottle now to satisfy your curiosity. 96+

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4 comments have been posted

Comment posted by P-M:

9/17/2015 6:11:00 AM - With all due respect, views differ on whether it is really the case that there was a "quality struggle" before the Frey purchase. I personally do not think so, and have tasted a majority of the vintages since the early 90s; but that also explains why you can pick up some 90s La Chapelle at very low QPRs so I will not complain :-)
Comment posted by Collector1855:

9/17/2015 3:41:00 PM - Good point, I am merely replaying the talk of the market here. You are most likely more experienced than me as I am predominantly a Chave and Guigal drinker. Any particular Chapelle from recent vintages that you found especially noteworthy?
Comment posted by P-M:

9/20/2015 8:42:00 AM - Thanks. I liked the '88, '94, '95, '97, '98, '01 and '03 very much. '03 is more in the line of recent vintages. The older ones I mentioned will differ in character. Overall however they will be understated and will not wow you like a Chave might. But the class, the sheer breed, of the vineyard is there. And the price, wow, for what is one of the most hallowed hills of French wine culture. Bought lots at auction over the years. Recently purchased again '94, '97 and '98 for GBP 600 / 6 mags. I should not even be writing this, it will give some ideas :-) All the best PM
Comment posted by Collector1855:

9/20/2015 8:57:00 AM - excellent, thanks for the tip