The Wine Advocate | RP 98-100
Published: May 13, 2021

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! 

Winemaker

It is no exaggeration to say that this wine is one of the most captivating and complex of the Rhone Valley. La Chapelle 1961 is described as one of the greatest wines ever made and is now one of the most expensive wines in the world. A blend from the greatest terroirs of the Hermitage hillside, including the likes of Meal, Greffieux and Bessards, Hermitage La Chapelle 2019 received a superb 96-98 points from Jeb Dunnuck and a more than perfect score of 20 /20 from Matthew Jukes.

Brand Description: Paul Jaboulet Aine, crown jewel of the Rhone Valley and one of the most highly anticipated releases of the Rhone En Primeur campaign is finally here with another sensational vintage. Since taking over the estate as an oenologist in 2006, Caroline Frey's meticulous care and attention to quality in the vineyard, aided by a steady shift to organics and biodynamics, has led the once-struggling estate to a tremendous return to form in recent years, spearheading a renaissance that has seen the return of world class winemaking and critical acclaim to one of the great estates of the Rhone Valley. The Frey family's revival of the estate has culminated in two consecutive stellar vintages, 2018 and now 2019, a testament to its prowess and reputation.

Vintage: Based on early reviews, the 2019 vintage is set to put its recent predecessors, even the formidable 2018 vintage, in the shade. Matthew Jukes has found the flagship Hermitage La Chapelle 2019 to be quite literally off the scale at 20 points out of 20, comparing it to the sensational 1990, one of the greatest vintages of all time. With great ageing potential and quality that potentially trumps the phenomenal 2018 vintage, Paul Jaboulet Aine 2019 promises to be a stunning addition to the cellars of fine wine lovers and collectors. 2019 is a paradoxical year of extremes with an abnormally hot and dry growing season by historical standards that started off with pockets of spring hail and frost. Fortunately, temperatures were not excessive and well-timed and beneficial rains in late August and early September freshened the vineyards and kept the acidity levels sound. Despite the hot and rain-bereft year, 2019 produced wines with real freshness and detail, and many producers achieved a perfect ripeness that adds aromatic complexity to the wines.