La Chapelle Hermitage 2019 Balthazer 12L

Paul Jaboulet Aine La Chapelle Hermitage 2019

Wine Advocate

Last year. I giddily speculated whether the 2019 La Chapelle Hermitage would warrant a 100-point score. While close—and I wouldn't completely discount it reaching that pinnacle in another decade or two—I'm not sure this wine is as good as I thought. It boasts exciting aromas of roasted meat. mocha. crushed stone. plum and cassis on the nose. It's full-bodied. concentrated. richly tannic and velvety in texture. It's long and complex on the finish. adding hints of cracked pepper and salted licorice. And yet. as much as I enjoyed tasting it and as undeniably great it is. angels didn't sing from the heavens. Maybe next bottle. (JC. 1/2022)