Return to Previously Sold listings
Jacques Jaboulet quickly made clear his views of the 1997 vintage by stating "it is the greatest year in my 32 years of winemaking".This comment actually pertained to the Jaboulet northern Rhones,which are indeed spectacular in 1997.The 1997 Hermitage La Chapelle competes with the monumental wines made in 1990,1978,and 1961.The wine looks impressive with a viscosity and unctuous richness.There is amazing fat and chewiness,as well as spectacular aromatics of over-ripe blackcurrants and blackberries,intermingled with barbecue spices,soy,and jammy black fruits.The tannin seems lost in the wine's full-bodied,silky-textured,voluptuously rich,staggeringly concentrated style.The mid-palate explodes with sweetness,glycerin,and extract.The finish lasts for 40+ seconds.The 1997 should be remarkably approachable,given its opulence,although like the 1990,it will firm up and close down.It is undoubtedly a mind-blowing Hermitage La Chapelle. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2035.
(95-98+ Points).
Robert Parker. (The Wine Advocate. #121. February 1999).
As Robert Parker acknowledged above,this wine did close down for some years,but now appears to be recovering its great quality:-
"Gorgeous nose,this bottle is really singing from the onset.Intense bouquet soaring from the glass immediately after being poured.Based on the notes from critics and conversations with a few wine geeks,this wine has really gone through a roller coaster ride since released.Beautiful wine on release,but nobody wanted it 5 years ago.Now this is back in top form.Good complexity and decent balance with slightly tart finish for this bottle.Perfect wine to pair with Peking Duck.This has quite a few years left in it".
(93-95 Points).
PCLIN. (CellarTracker. 26/10/2013).
"Vivid crimson.Tremendous nose of La Chapelle already showing.Incredible "brambly" scent.Vivid red fruits.Great freshness.Huge health of fruit is the first impact.Really brambly flavour.The fruit melts in the mouth.An utter charmer.Pure delight.So frank and "perfumed".Elegance too".
Serena Sutcliffe, MW. (Vertical tasting of Hermitage La Chapelle at Sotheby's in September 2000).
No Buyer's Premium payable on this lot.
Menu
Have a similar item to sell?
Start now
United Kingdom 
