Tasting Notes

95
Vinous Neal Martin - 01 Feb 21
The 1971 Hermitage La Chapelle has a gorgeous, opulent, gamey bouquet with the same peppermint aromas that I noticed before. Given its age, this is beautifully defined. The palate is fleshy and ripe with impressive mid-palate density wrapped up in a silky texture that disguises any rusticity. It segues into a spicy finish with wild fennel and clove, reassuringly long on the finish. Marvelous. Well-stored bottles should still be chugging along nicely.
Drinking Date: 2021 - 2030

Hermitage

Hermitage, a prestigious Northern Rhône appellation, is famed for its exceptional red and white wines. The reds, made primarily from Syrah, are known for their intense flavours of dark berries, black olives, spices, and smoky, meaty notes, with structured tannins and long finishes. The whites, mainly from Marsanne and Roussanne, offer richness with balanced acidity and flavours of honey, stone fruits, and nuts. Top producers like Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, E. Guigal, and Domaine Delas Frères are celebrated for showcasing Hermitage's unique terroir and quality.