2023 Paul Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage, La Chapelle Rouge

Not yet bottled, the 2023 Hermitage sports a deeper ruby/purple hue as well as classic Méal notes of red and black fruits, violets, spring flowers, and damp stone/earth-like minerality. It's medium to full-bodied and has a pure, elegant, layered mouthfeel, tons of class, flawless balance, and a great finish. The big news at Paul Jaboulet Aîné is the separation of their flagship Hermitage La Chapelle and Le Chevalier de Stérimberg into their own label, Domaine de la Chapelle. All remaining wines continue under the Paul Jaboulet Aîné label. The transition began with the 2021 vintage and separates these two wines from the rest of the Jaboulet lineup moving forward. A dedicated winery for Domaine de la Chapelle, designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, is expected to be completed in time for the 2026 harvest. Following the purchase of the estate in 2006, Caroline Frey immediately initiated major changes in the vineyards, including converting to organic farming, dramatically reducing yields, and doubling the size of the vineyard team, all with the goal of improving quality. The domaine has practiced biodynamic farming since 2006 and achieved organic certification in 2016. Domaine de la Chapelle farms approximately 22 hectares on the Hermitage hill, with significant holdings in Le Méal and Les Bessards and additional parcels in lieux-dits such as Les Greffieux, Les Rocoules, and Les Dionnières. Vines range from 40 to 100 years old and are planted across a mix of granite and limestone-based soils. As to the winemaking, everything is destemmed with native fermentations in stainless steel. Elevage takes place in French oak barrels, about 15 percent new, and concrete eggs. The 2022 and 2023 Hermitage cuvées were sourced primarily from Le Méal, with a small portion from Les Bessards.

Glossy red fruit, fresh violet, rose petal and leafy traces introduce the intricate 2023 Hermitage La Chapelle. Crushed rocks and jasmine scents add more aromatic layers. Fragrant and expressive, the medium- to full-bodied 2023 shines with elevated flavor concentration, neatly accompanied by sleek tannins and a bright acidic backbone. This is an inviting, upfront delicious La Chapelle coming with secure aging potential.