Paul Jaboulet - Hermitage La Chapelle 2014 (3L)

Jaboulet wines symbolize robustness and elegance, essential qualities of great wines. Their crown jewel is their Hermitage "La Chapelle" which Clive Coates states "is one of the great red wines of the world." Thomas Matthews of Wine Spectator has singled out Jaboulet as a producer which "offers reliable wines across the entire range of appellations (in the northern and southern Rhône)."

The 2014 Hermitage La Chapelle shows the more charming, supple style of the vintage and, while young, is certainly drinking nicely. Giving up pretty redcurrant and black raspberry fruits as well as chalky minerals, peppery herbs, spice, and hints of charred meat, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant texture, fine tannins, and a great finish. Despite the charming style in its fruit, it has classic Hermitage focus, minerality, and structure and is a wine that will evolve gracefully on its balance for another two decades.

A blend of Le Méal (structure) and Les Bessards (flesh), the dark granitic stony influence is striking with smoky, dark stony minerals and peppery nuances. The fruit is in the blackberry, raspberry and red plum spectrum. The palate has an impressive fluid core of supple dark and red plum fruits with an undercarriage of smooth, muscular tannins. Nice balance. Drink from 2020 and beyond.

While not at the level of the 2015, 2010 or 2009, the 2014 Hermitage La Chapelle is certainly a success and sports a deep ruby color as well as classic, medium to full-bodied notes of smoked meats, crushed violets, spice, black raspberries and currants. Elegant, seamless, finesse-driven and beautifully layered, with impeccable tannin quality, it will keep for two decades.