Hermitage La Chapelle, Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine 2009

As I wrote last year, the 2009 Hermitage La Chapelle is easily the greatest, most profound La Chapelle since the 1990. Most of this cuvee comes from Le Meal and Les Bessards vineyards, with a touch of Les Roucoules fruit in the blend. It is an opaque purple-colored wine with enormous concentration in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of graphite, creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice, beef blood and a touch of smoked game. Boasting phenomenal intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and 50 years of longevity, the only thing that could possibly hold it back is that most consumers should plan on laying it away for 8-10 years.

In the same ballpark as the 2010, yet in a dramatically different style, the 2009 Hermitage La Chapelle is pure sex in a glass, and its ruby/purple color is followed by mammoth-sized notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, cured meats, toasted spices, and dried flowers. Opulent, full-bodied, deep, and layered, it flirts with perfection and is a magical wine to enjoy over the coming 40-50 years or more.

As stated above, the formidable 2009 Hermitage La Chapelle is one of the most memorable examples of this cuvee yet produced. An inky, thick, viscous, black/purple color is accompanied by abundant notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, licorice and beef blood. The wine possesses massive concentration, sensational freshness and purity, abundant sweet, velvety tannins and a huge finish. Stylistically, it has the opulence and viscosity of the 1990, and the structure and freshness of the 1978. The 2009 requires 7-10 years of cellaring and will drink well for 30-40+ years.