| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Northern Rhône > Hermitage |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 1996 Hermitage La Chapelle is immensely impressive. The acidity is high. The color is black/purple, and the wine is extremely concentrated, but unevolved and impossible to penetrate. It could turn out like the 1983 and never develop as well as its early promise suggests. Nevertheless, it is a massive effort with extraordinary concentration, but the high acidity requires a minimum of 10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025
Much more expressive on the nose than the '97--and darker and thicker--adding to the evidence that '96 is a better vintage in the northern Rhône. Delivers a round, clean, pure mouthfeel of vibrant, focused red berry and blackberry flavors. Superb balance, as it walks a tightrope among the relatively high acidity, ripe tannins and delicious fruit. Worth cellaring.--La Chapelle vertical. Best from 2003 through 2015.
Coolish year. Lots of structure. The Jaboulets argued that 1996 was better than 1995. Very healthy deep crimson. Deeper than 1999 and 2004! Tangy, meaty nose. Fully evolved nose - almost as though there's some reduced Mourvèdre here. Very promising until the rather dried-out end. The best Jaboulet of these three reds but it cuts off a bit on the finish.
The 1996 Hermitage la Chapelle is immenseley impressive, but in a completely different style. The acidity is much higher than in either the 1997 or 1998. The colour is black/purple, and the wine is extremely concentrated, but unevolved and impossible to penetrate. It could turn out like the 1983 and never develop as well as its early promise suggests. Neverthelless, it is a massive effort with extraordinary concentration, but the high acidity requires a minimum of 10 years cellaring. 92+ pts.
