1990 Hermitage Rouge "La Chapelle", Jaboulet
Full brickish-red color. Classic Northern Rhone mature syrah aromas leap from the glass: black fruits and that wonderful roasted, smoky quality so often missing from New World syrah. On the palate, the wine has both power and grace. Everything is so fully integrated and resolved that it would be difficult to pick out individual flavors even if I were inclined to--instead I just enjoyed the experience. The finish is equally enjoyable. 1990 was touted as a great year for Hermitage and this wine doesn't disappoint. I think it will continue to be enjoyable for years, but why wait? It's at its peak right now. Triple Curly.
-Paul W.