Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage “La Chapelle” 2015

This is an exciting new wine/label from the legendary house of Jaboulet, with 2015 as the first vintage made from 40-65 year old vines. Hermitage La Maison Bleue has replaced La Petite Chapelle in the Jaboulet lineup, but rather than being a selection of lots that did not make the cut for La Chapelle, it is more terroir-based, with the wine coming from the eastern (non-granitic) side of the appellation. Because of that, the wine is softer in style than her big brother La Chapelle, and has a rich, velvety texture. Cedar and spice notes frame cassis and cola notes, lingering through the long, supple finish.

Ten years ago, the Frey family purchased this historic property and committed tremendous effort and resources to improve upon the already legendary estate. They immediately started converting the estate vineyards to organic biodynamic principals and encouraging sustainable practices from every family grower they work with. With each successive vintage the purifying effects of these natural agricultural improvements can be felt and tasted. This is one of France’s finest estates, the crown jewel of the Rhône Valley. Oenologist and proprietor Caroline Frey, alongside Winemaking Director Jacques Desvernois, are producing the authentic standard for quality Syrah across the Northern Rhône.  

In 1834, a full 100 years before the introduction of the A.O.C. system, Antoine Jaboulet began to transform a sleepy region into one of the most important quality winegrowing terroirs in the world. Since that time, Paul Jaboulet Aîné has become the benchmark in the Northern Rhône, with the iconic Hermitage ‘La Chapelle’ being responsible for some of the greatest wines ever produced. 

The 2015 vintage in the Northern Rhone is the finest in decades, long awaited and in high demand. It is viewed in the highest possible regard and has already started receiving the finest scores and accolades. Today we are excited to release the epitome of the region, Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2015. In 2015, Jaboulet’s La Chapelle has been awarded its first 97-100 point score from barrell in decades, making it hugely collectable. As such it is very likely to surpass the 2009 and 2010 vintages, both heralded as exceptional and awarded 98 and 97+ respectively. In fact, Jeb Dunnuck from the Wine Advocate states that it ‘has more than a passing resemblance to the 1990.’ The 1990 is the last vintage to have been awarded 100 points and it is noteworthy that it was scored 99 at the first asking, before latterly being awarded a perfect score: the 2015 has this accolade out of the gate. Dunnuck concludes ‘it’s a tour de force that’s going to have three to four decades of longevity.’