Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 20
Magnum. A very famous wine served alongside a magnum of Chateau Lynch-Bages 1989 which inevitably tasted sweeter and smoother, but that is not to denigrate this truly great, and more youthful, Hermitage La Chapelle. This was one of the last truly great vintages of this wine – although 1991 was also very good. Still firm but not tannic and with enormous intensity. (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040
Robert Parker 100
The 1990 Hermitage La Chapelle lived up to its reputation on this occasion, and of the three titans (1990, 1978 and 1961), it was probably my favorite. Still inky colored and ruby at the rim, it offers an absolutely profound bouquet of sweet cassis, smoked meats, chocolate, licorice and spice. This is followed by a full-bodied, insanely textured, pure and hedonistic palate that has that perfect mix of still-vibrant fruit and ample secondary nuances. I suspect the ’61 was even richer at this stage, but the overall purity and freshness here are incredible. It will continue to evolve for decades, but I’d happily open bottles today.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040
Vinous 96
Rh?ne lovers were out in full force on this night. Sadly, I only got to taste a handful of the wines being passed around. Still, these were four of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. The 1990 La Chapelle held its own in this grouping, and then some. The purity of the fruit and the wine s finish were mind-bending.
