2006 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle
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Tasting notes
A little animal on the nose. Then sweet and salty Syrah with medium intensity. I wonder why such a mature vintage is available? But it’s fully developed and is not such poor value compared with some of these wines. (JR)
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
From an underrated vintage in the Rhône, the 2006 Hermitage La Chapelle is a beautiful, supple, layered wine that checks in behind the all-time greats yet unquestionably matches or surpasses most of the later 1990 and early 2000 vintages. Revealing a translucent ruby hue as well as a classic La Chapelle nose of smoked darker fruits, roasted meats, ground pepper, soy, and some classic Hermitage leather and obvious minerality, it’s medium to full-bodied, round, wonderfully textured, and balanced. It's fully mature today, and certainly won't be getting any better, but it has another 10-15 years of longevity.
The first vintage where the new team was firmly in place, the 2006 Hermitage la Chapelle offers that classic, smoky, meaty La Chapelle bouquet to go with loads of fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, impressive mid-palate density and sweet tannin. This was easily the best showing I’ve had from this bottle, which often shows a much more rustic, evolved character.
Much tarter and leaner than the 2007 tasted alongside. (JR)