2015 Hermitage la Maison Bleue
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Tasting notes
(raised in 20% new oak): Opaque ruby. Powerful smoke- and spice-accented aromas of ripe blueberry, olive and violet are lifted by a zesty mineral overtone. Deeply concentrated yet lively, showing impressive focus and energy to its black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors, which pick up an Indian spice accent as the wine opens up. Deftly marries power and finesse and finishes extremely long and sweet, with repeating dark berry character and youthful tannins that sneak in late. Note that this wine was called La Petite Chapelle through the 2014 vintage. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Moving to the two Hermitage releases and from the younger vines, mostly on the eastern side of Hermitage, the 2015 Hermitage La Petite Chapelle is a better wine than a number of older La Chapelle releases; it’s certainly better than the 1998, 1999 and 2001. Full-bodied, ripe, voluptuous and forward, with a sexy feel in its black raspberry, licorice and crushed herbs, it has a wealth of fruit, sweet tannin and a supple, yet lengthy finish. It’s going to offer immense pleasure over the coming two decades. Dec 2016, www robertparker.com
Replacing La Petite Chapelle in the Jaboulet lineup is the 2015 Hermitage La Maison Bleue. Rather than being a selection of lots that didn’t make the cut for La Chapelle, it’s more terroir-based, with the wine coming from the eastern (non-granitic) side of the appellation. Because of that, it’s softer in style, with a rich, velvety texture. Cedar and spice notes frame cassis and cola notes, lingering through the long, supple finish. Dec 2017, www.robertparker.com