93 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
January 2000
The 1997 Hermitage La Chapelle has begun to completely close down, which is surprising in view of how sweet, seductive, and precocious this vintage can be. However, the color seems to get deeper with exposure to air (the wine was far more drinkable after 24 hours of aeration than it was upon opening).
The moderately intense bouquet exhibits plenty of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit, in addition to spicy, mineral characteristics. There is considerable weight and volume, but the wine is tight, and nearly impenetrable, leaving an impression of a large, deep, four-square monolith in need of 7-10 years of cellaring - at the minimum.
This is an outstanding Hermitage La Chapelle that will have at least three decades of positive evolution. For readers intent on committing infanticide, open and decant it 12-24 hours in advance. The improvement is dramatic. Perhaps it is Jacques Jaboulet's preference to bottle with very high levels of CO2 (1200 ppm) that makes this wine so difficult to taste in its youth. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025
93 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
January 1999
The 1997 Hermitage La Chapelle has begun to completely close down, which is surprising in view of how sweet, seductive, and precocious this vintage can be. However, the color seems to get deeper with exposure to air (the wine was far more drinkable after 24 hours of aeration than it was upon opening). The moderately intense bouquet exhibits plenty of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit, in addition to spicy, mineral characteristics. There is considerable weight and volume, but the wine is tight, and nearly impenetrable, leaving an impression of a large, deep, four-square monolith in need of 7-10 years of cellaring - at the minimum. This is an outstanding Hermitage La Chapelle that will have at least three decades of positive evolution. For readers intent on committing infanticide, open and decant it 12-24 hours in advance. The improvement is dramatic. Perhaps Jacques Jaboulet's preference to bottle with very high levels of CO2 (1200 ppm) makes this wine so difficult to taste in its youth. Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700
95-98 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
January 1999
The 1997 Hermitage La Chapelle is a monumental wine. The harvest was completed on October 14, with some cuvees achieving 14.5% natural alcohol (the alcohol level in the final blend is 13.5%). The wine looks impressive, with a viscosity and unctuous richness. There is amazing fat and chewiness, as well as spectacular aromatics of over-ripe black currants and blackberries intermingled with barbeque spices, soy, and jammy black fruits. The tannin seems lost in the wine's full-bodied, silky-textured, voluptuously rich, staggeringly concentrated style. The mid-palate explodes with sweetness, glycerin, and extract. The finish lasts for 40+ seconds. The 1997 should be remarkably approachable given its opulence, although it will firm up and close down. The wine was scheduled to be bottled without filtration in February, and released later this year. It is undoubtedly a mind-blowing Hermitage La Chapelle. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2035.
Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700
93-96 points, Stephen Tanzer
January 1999
Deep, saturated ruby. Mute nose hints at cassis, violet and woodsmoke. Huge and primary in the mouth; the palate is inundated by a wave of almost confectionery fruit. But there also firm acidity and powerful underlying structure. Very fresh and unevolved for the vintage but harmonious from the start. Utterly seamless. Finishes with lush, melting tannins. An extraordinary showing for this wine, and as impressive as any '97 Hermitage I tasted in early December.
96 points, Wine Enthusiast
November 1999
A wine that sells for around $100 a value? Yes, when it has the pedigree of La Chapelle and the intensity of this particular wine. The best wine to come from Jaboulet since the awe-inspiring 1990. And yes, in these days of newly released $250+ first-growth Bordeaux, a value.
89 points, Wine Spectator
December 1999
Hedonistic and quite delicious but very ripe, with stewed fruit that makes it a bit heavy. Pepper, spice and mocha notes bring it all to a long and exciting finish--but it doesn't have the cellar potential you expect from better vintages of La Chapelle. Drink now through 2005. 7,915 cases made. –PM
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