WTN: Christine

1990 Hermitage Rouge La Chapelle, Paul Jaboulet Aine
This wine has an intense color, with brick-red tones that betray its age. Abundant, complex syrah fruit aromas follow through on the palate. The wine is at the same time forceful and elegant. Everything is in perfect balance; there are no awkward elements. It ends in a lovely finish that leaves you wanting more. This is a classic example of just how good Hermitage can be. It is glorious now but there is no need to hurry and drink it up. Triple Curly.

-Paul W.

That is what one expects from that wine! Oddly, I have 89 and 91 but no 1990! They are very long lived wines that will likely continue to improve awhile. Thanks for the note. Jaboulet is probably my second favourite Hermitage after Chave

Alas, Jaboulet La Chapelle went downhill after the winemaker Jacques Jaboulet's serious driving accident in 1992 and especially after Gerard Jaboulet's death in 1997. It's no longer the wine it used to be. Agreed that before 1992 Jaboulet's La Chapelle was second only to J. L. Chave's Hermitage Rouge.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Well they are on to another new winemaker as of this year. Hopefully things will improve.