Took this as a mystery to BacchusBadBoys last night:
1. PaulJaboulet LaChapelle AC: Hermitage (13%) Tain l'Hermitage 1989: Med.dark color w/ some bricking; somewhat smokey/Rhonish/roasted/coffee slight bacon fat/black olive very slight floral/violets/Syrah/spicy rather complex nose; lightly tart slight tangy/metallic very smooth/gentle/quiet some Rhonish/smokey/coffee/roasted bit bacony light floral/Syrah fairly complex flavor w/ light smooth/gentle tannins; very long smooth/gentle some smokey/Rhonish/coffee/roasted slight tangy/metallic complex finish w/ light gentle tannins; in much better shape than I expected; speaks of fully mature NRhone w/ a quiet voice; lovely elegant/delicate wine that's gently fading away into the sunset. $40.00
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. Most of the tasters identified it as an older Syrah but thinking Calif. Which is understandable as I think Hermitage is the most Calif in style of the NRhone. None guessed it as Hermitage and were rather surprised to find it high-end Hermitage. I was expecting a bit more "oomph" to the wine. It's a quiet little old lady in the twilight of her days, fading quietly into the sunset, but still w/ a few risque stories to whisper in your ear.
Tom