Paul Jaboulet Aîné
La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah



Until Caroline Frey took over wine making responsibilities, “La Chapelle” was sort of known to me as a perennial underachiever with very few vintages in the last 40 years really meeting their potential. The late 90’s was perhaps the deepest point of the malaise. That being said, this bottle proves that the underpinnings were always there and I found it to be very enjoyable, if not quite on the level of the other examples of late-90’s Hermitage we enjoyed on the night. There is still quite a bit of life left.
Until Caroline Frey took over wine making responsibilities, “La Chapelle” was sort of known to me as a perennial underachiever with very few vintages in the last 40 years really meeting their potential. The late 90’s was perhaps the deepest point of the malaise. That being said, this bottle proves that the underpinnings were always there and I found it to be very enjoyable, if not quite on the level of the other examples of late-90’s Hermitage we enjoyed on the night. There is still quite a bit of life left.
Sep 17th, 2022
Bright acidity still, wonderful bottle, drink up if you have '98's, this will be near the end soon.
Enjoyed with Mahi Mahi Curry at Cantina 229, New Marlborough, MA.
Bright acidity still, wonderful bottle, drink up if you have '98's, this will be near the end soon.
Enjoyed with Mahi Mahi Curry at Cantina 229, New Marlborough, MA.

Jesus Christ, this was good. It was almost old-vintage port-like, without the sweetness. So expressive, concentrated, wild, unrestrained. Glorious.
Jesus Christ, this was good. It was almost old-vintage port-like, without the sweetness. So expressive, concentrated, wild, unrestrained. Glorious.
1 person found it helpfulMay 18th, 2016
98 in 17. Beautiful; plum, tea, a touch caramel.
98 in 17. Beautiful; plum, tea, a touch caramel.
Jun 20th, 2017
Seventh time tasting the '98. Moderate bottle variation (particularly between distributor bottlings). However, overall pretty tasty.
Seventh time tasting the '98. Moderate bottle variation (particularly between distributor bottlings). However, overall pretty tasty.
Feb 21st, 2017