In Bond Fine Wine. 2010 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle, Hermitage, Rhone, France. Red Rhone in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (RP). Drinking window: 2019–2069. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
The oldest vineyard in Crozes-Hermitage appellation, Domaine de Thalabert has been owned by Paul Jaboulet Aîné since 1834. The domaine now covers 45 hectares with deeply rooted old vines, planted from 1934 to 1975 which produce small and intense berries. This historic estate is unquestionably a fabulous terroir with the 1961, but also the 1978 and 1990 vintages now wine legends. 100% Syrah made from old vines on the best granite soils. When young, it can be earthy & rich & yet, "when mature, La Chapelle comes into its own.
Robert Parker (RP) — 96/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/12/2012 · Drink 2019-2069
It should be fascinating to compare the potentially legendary 2010 Hermitage La Chapelle with the prodigious 2009 La Chapelle over the next 30-40 years. About 20% new oak was used, and, as were previous vintages, the 2010 was aged 15 months prior to bottling. This black/purple-colored beauty is revealing more weight and richness than it did last year from barrel, along with great precision, stunn…
Josh Raynolds (JR) — 96/100 · Vinous, 01/03/2013
Inky, glass-staining ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes dark fruit liqueur, smoky Indian spices, potpourri and cracked pepper. Deep but lively, offering palate-coating blueberry and cherry-cola flavors and a sexy note of candied violet. This wine opens up dramatically with a little air and shows a very suave blend of power and finesse. An energizing mineral note comes on strong on the en…
Josh Raynolds (JR) — 96–98/100 · Vinous, 01/03/2012
Opaque purple. Heady, intensely perfumed aromas of candied blueberry, cherry and violet, with a wild array of spice and herb qualities adding complexity. Cassis, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors stain the palate, with a vibrant mineral nuance providing lift. Closes with superb energy and cut, leaving floral, spice and blue fruit notes behind. I'd love to get my hands on some of this but…