1964 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle
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Tasting notes
From Kate Dugdale's cellar, decanted on the morning of the tasting. Bricky brown. Herbal – even a touch of lavender – and sweet decay. Juicy and still so much sweet fruit at the core. Rounded yet with a light tannic bite at the very end. So fresh and alive. With sweetness and freshness still – just – in balance for a seriously mature wine. Gorgeous but I wouldn't keep this much longer. (JH)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
First, a magnum of 1964 Hermitage La Chapelle from Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Lucid in hue, it sports modest bricking on the rim. Its initial tightness on the nose soon disappears to reveal layers of melted red berries, allspice and touches of wild mint, hints of potpourri/garrigues emerging with time. The palate is fleshy and displays exquisite balance, the vestige of fruit framed by filigree tannins, hints of strawberry and bay leaf as it fans out and deepens on the captivating finish. Format and provenance play a role here, yet it was undeniably Hermitage at its very best and at 58-years of age, one senses it has no intention of stepping off its high plateau. Utterly transfixing.
Not such a good bottle as the 1971 served alongside. Looked relatively pale ruby. A bit dry and slightly oxidised initially with a dusty finish. A little rustic. Rather dry with acidity prominent but it got better and freshened up in the glass. Just rather overwhelmed by the 1971 served (blind) alongside. (JR)
Lively rich dark crimson – healthy colour. Gorgeous coffee nose. Sweet and jewelly and burgundian. Great punch! Maybe not the most refreshing wine but lovely for now! (JR)