Paul Jaboulet Aîné’s Hermitage “La Chapelle” 2012 is a flagship Northern Rhône red made from 100% Syrah grown on the steep slopes of Hermitage, including the noted Le Méal lieu-dit. The estate’s approach here is traditional: hand-harvested fruit, classic fermentation, and roughly 15–18 months’ élevage in French oak casks in Jaboulet’s historic “Vineum” cellar. Alcohol is reported at about 14.5% ABV.
Stylistically, the 2012 reads as a dark-fruited, savory Hermitage that emphasizes both power and refinement. James Suckling (93 points) highlights “beautiful aromas of iron, dark fruit, plums, tar and dried meats,” followed by a palate he calls “wonderfully refined and delicate,” with “blueberry, slate, violet and light black-pepper character.” He concludes it’s “delicious now, or hold,” suggesting early approachability despite the wine’s structure.
The strongest critical enthusiasm comes from two excellent 97-point reviews. In Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck calls it “a gorgeous effort,” and notes that 2012 was “the first year where winemaker Caroline Frey really feels her organic farming drive paid off.” Dunnuck points to “purity and texture,” as well as “the class of the le Meal lieu-dit,” with flavors of “black raspberry and sweet dark fruit, Asian spice, toasted bread, licorice and savory herbs.” He describes it as “full-bodied, beautifully concentrated” with “enough tannic grip to demand 4-5 years of bottle age,” and says it will have “3+ decades of longevity.”
Dunnuck later reiterates that top-tier standing at JebDunnuck.com (97 points), calling the wine “a step up over the 2011” with “more density, depth, and opulence,” and a “stunning bouquet of black currants, wood smoke, cured meats, and soy sauce.” He cites a “round, seamless… mouthfeel,” “velvety tannins,” and “a great, great finish,” adding that it should drink well “over the coming 20-30 years.”
