Hermitage La Chapelle, Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine 2014

While not at the level of the 2015, 2010 or 2009, the 2014 Hermitage La Chapelle is certainly a success and sports a deep ruby color as well as classic, medium to full-bodied notes of smoked meats, crushed violets, spice, black raspberries and currants. Elegant, seamless, finesse-driven and beautifully layered, with impeccable tannin quality, it will keep for two decades.

The top wine of the estate is the 2014 Hermitage la Chapelle, which comes mostly from the Méal lieu-dit, but also includes a sizable portion from Bessards (the blend is a cellar selection and changes from year to year). Possesses notably more minerality and powered rock nuances than the Petite Chapelle, with building blackberry, charcoal and smoked earth aromas and flavors, this medium to full-bodied Hermitage is gorgeously balanced, elegant and fresh with fine tannin. It shows the vintage's more forward character, yet has plenty of density and concentration. It will need short term cellaring and will keep for two decades.