Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2013

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  A much more structured, even austere, Hermitage than the La Petite Chapelle release, the 2013 Hermitage la Chapelle came from minuscule yields of ten to 18 hectoliters per hectare and was aged 15-18 months in 20% new French oak. Not harvested until the 12th of October, it offers a sensational bouquet of blackberry and black raspberry fruits, powdered rock, gunpowder and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, with good (though maybe not great) levels of concentration, it has high, yet beautifully polished tannin, integrated acidity, and terrific cut and focus on the finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of cellaring and enjoy over the following two decades.
• 95 Jeb Dunnuck

  From a cooler, more challenging vintage for the Rhône, yet one that was certainly better in the north than the south, the 2013 Hermitage La Chapelle reveals a vivid purple hue as well as beautiful, cooler climate black raspberries, mulberries, white pepper, crushed stone, and spicy, sandalwood-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it exudes class and elegance, with silky tannins, perfect balance, and a great finish. I can't say it's a classic La Chapelle, as the usual smoky, meaty, soy-like nuances are missing, but this is just a complete, gorgeous Hermitage that will evolve gracefully over the coming 20-25 years. Best After 2022

• 94 James Suckling
  Plenty of pepper on the nose. This has a striking, granitic influence with graphite, black stones, beef fat and sweet spices, as well as plenty of star anise and dark, rich plums. The palate has rich, deep fleshy fruit that has really filled out nicely. Tannins are fine and gently grippy. There's plenty of dark plum flesh with some mocha and chocolate, too. Acidity is bright. Drinking well now, but will shine from 2025.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  Features a slightly taut frame, with singed cedar and balsamic notes clipping the wings of the red currant, cherry paste and plum fruit flavors. Tar and sage details line the finish. There's some depth here and good ripeness for the vintage, but not the volume or range of the best wines from this appellation. Drink now through 2023.