For many decades, Jaboulet's La Chapelle was recognized as of the greatest Syrah's on the planet, with the 1961, 1978, and 1990 vintages being widely considered amongst the all-time greats. In fact, Stephen Browett of Farr Vintners in London noted "It's up there with 1945 Mouton, 1947 Cheval Blanc, and 1961 Pétrus." If someone called and asked for the greatest bottle of Rhône wine ever made, it would be La Chapelle 1961. For the last fifty years, this bottle has been the international ambassador for the Northern Rhône. Unfortunately, the family hit a rut in the 1990s when production of La Chapelle eclipsed 100,000 bottles and the oak usage was a bit heavy-handed. It wasn't until recently that the estate recovered. The levels of new oak have been reduced, and the yields are back down to levels commensurate with the fine wines of the world. With the tremendous 2019 vintage, we present to you a stunning re-emergence of this icon bottling. Enjoy this brooding, iron-spined beast now or keep it for decades in your cellar if you so please. In this warm vintage, be prepared for some heat though, it clocks in over 15% ABV.

98-100 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate: "Might this be the next vintage of La Chapelle to crack triple digits? Knockout aromas of crushed stone, violets, blueberries, and cassis mark the nose of the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle, while the full-bodied palate is undeniably more intense and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Rich and velvety, it coats the mouth with dark fruit and creamy-textured espresso, yet retains remarkable length and licorice-derived peppery freshness on the finish. Wow!"