Wine Reviews
With an introverted, almost austere profile, the 2022 Hermitage La Chapelle offers up aromas of dark berries, spices, cornflower and licorice mingled with delicate notes of pencil lead and oak. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured, it has a beautiful fleshy core of fruit…
On the nose, it’s gently cedary, with crushed stone and pencil shavings accenting dark, plummy fruit, plus mocha, earth and black olives. It’s full-bodied but not that rich or concentrated, with an open-knit feel and a shortage of energy and drive on the finish.
Glossy red fruit, fresh violet, rose petal and leafy traces introduce the intricate 2023 Hermitage La Chapelle. Crushed rocks and jasmine scents add more aromatic layers. Fragrant and expressive, the medium- to full-bodied 2023 shines with elevated flavor concentration, neatly accompanied by sleek tannins and a bright acidic backbone. This is an inviting, upfront delicious La Chapelle coming with secure aging potential.
A cornucopia of forest berries, wild herbs and flowers pour from the glass. Incredibly focused and structured on the super-concentrated, medium- to full-bodied palate. As it aerates, notes of licorice, bark and black olive tapenade unfurl.
The 2022 Hermitage La Chapelle brings more structure and depth, yet plays in the similar style of the estate. Beautiful cassis, graphite, crushed violets, and ground pepper all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a silky, elegant, layered mouthfeel, a terrific sense of minerality, and outstanding length. It’s not going to require a huge amount of cellaring and should have a broad drink window.
