2015 Hermitage La Chapelle
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Tasting notes
Quite a black tinge to a very deep crimson. Looks more youthful than the Attunga 2015. It's also more restrained on the nose with some oak. Dry finish. A little tight on the end. Not ready. Less obviously appealing than the richer Attunga 1865. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
From The Wine Society's cellar. Very oaky but under that is fine, northern-Rhône Syrah character, peppery and savoury. Firm, chewy, dry with some smoked bacon on the finish. (JH)
The medium- to full-bodied 2015 Hermitage La Chapelle unwinds with expressive rose petal, crushed violets, black pepper, licorice and ripe blackberry. Wafts of graphite, cedar and tobacco add more layers. Polished tannins neatly frame this concentrated La Chapelle that demands at least four more years in bottle.
Pure perfection in red wine, and as good a La Chapelle as has ever been made, the 2015 Hermitage La Chapelle reveals a deep, inky purple color as well as a mammoth-sized bouquet of black and blue fruits, liquid rock-like minerality, smoked game, ground pepper, and iron. Reminding me of the 1978 with its rare mix of power and elegance, this brilliant, sensational Hermitage already offers pleasure and will evolve for another 30-40 years.