Robert Parker Score: 97

Tanzer Score: 94

Score: 97 RP

Region: Rhone

District: Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage

Type: Still Wine

Color: Red

Varietal: Syrah

Vintage: 2009

Size: 750ML

Brand: See more from Maison Paul Jaboulet

Sku: 141236

Price: $314.99

Quantity:   

Product Information:

"One needs no further evidence of the extraordinary turn around in the quality of the Jaboulet wines than what proprietress Caroline Frey has accomplished in 2009 as well as 2010. As I indicated last year, this is one of the great qualitative turn arounds in the wine world. It is welcomed by all wine lovers given the historic legacy of the wines of Jaboulet and the importance of this famous firm in all of France. Ms. Frey, who is also responsible for the brilliant wines produced at La Lagune in Bordeaux, has reduced the amount of new oak for the red wines to about 20% and to negligible proportions for the whites. A second wine of Hermitage, La Petite Chapelle, is fashioned from 33% or more of the production that is culled out to guarantee that the great reputation of the Hermitage La Chapelle has enjoyed over the last century is maintained." Robert Parker

Robert Parker can't seem to stop singing the praises of the work Caroline Frey has done at Jaboulet. And with good reason. This once great estate is back on top and should be rocketing into collector's cellars, making this the ideal time to stock up. These 2009 Hermitages are from "the greatest vintage at Jaboulet since 1990" according to Parker. He continues: "If you have been off the Jaboulet bandwagon over the last decade or so, now is the time to jump back on... the Frey family has instituted a strict selection process in order to cull out the finest lots for their flagship wine - Hermitage La Chapelle. Production used to be 8,000-10,000 cases, but for the 2009 Hermitage La Chapelle, which will be the greatest La Chapelle since 1990 and 1978, there are only 2,000 cases."

Parker Review:
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. 97 Points, Robert Parker

Tanzer Review:
Glass-staining purple. Intense, assertively perfumed aromas of blueberry preserves, cherry, licorice and violet, with a strong incense quality. Impressively deep and spicy, offering floral-accented dark berry flavors that show superb clarity and a lively mineral quality. Tangy acidity adds lift and cut to an endless, sappy finish. This wine's blend of richness and energy is outstanding.