For almost two centuries, the Jaboulet family has shared a common passion for the Rhone Valley, its history, its terroir, its exceptional people and wines.

In 1834, Antoine Jaboulet started working the land on the hills of Hermitage. Through his hard work and passion, he was able to produce a wine of exceptional quality. The business was passed on to his sons Henri and Paul, with the latter later giving his name to the company.

Since then, the generations have continued to succeed one another until in January 2006, the Frey family, longstanding winemakers in Champagne and owners of Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux, acquired Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine thus adding to its portfolio of prestigious names.

The company’s hundred or so hectares of vineyards are tended with the greatest possible care. The wide diversity of terroirs and the influence of micro-climates favor the production of Syrah, the principal variety and the sole red grape, while Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier are used for the white wines.

Jaboulet wines represent generations of hard work and a passion for excellence and these values are adhered to by an unswerving commitment to improving vineyards, and through strategic acquisitions and work in the cellars, while respecting the environment at the same time.

The name of Hermitage La Chapelle is linked to the little chapel of Saint-Christophe overlooking the terraced vineyards along the Rhone. Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine has been the sole owner since 1919.

Hermitage La Chapelle is a blend of terroirs, including the prestigious hillsides of Meal and Bessards. Each one provides its own aromatic characteristics, as well as an elegant tannin structure, giving the wine great aging potential.

The 2020 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle Syrah is a distinguished red wine from the Northern Rhone region of France. This vintage showcases the rich heritage of the Hermitage appellation, sourced from 40 to 100-year-old Syrah vines cultivated using biodynamic practices. The wine has an alcohol content of 15.0% and is presented in a 750ml bottle.

James Suckling awarded this wine an outstanding 97 points, describing it as "a Hermitage masterpiece." He notes its "huge power and structure without that much weight," emphasizing the wine's "wonderful freshness" and "tarry depths." As it aerates, the wine reveals complex notes of "smoked bacon, menthol, and licorice." Suckling concludes his review by highlighting the "huge tannins at the finish" and suggesting that this wine has "decades of life ahead of it" (jamessuckling.com).

Decanter rated the 2020 Hermitage La Chapelle at 93 points, praising its "measured, fresh and harmonious" character. The wine is described as "potent, fairly concentrated, and quite savoury in style." Decanter also notes the "fine, plentiful, a touch dry" tannins that provide adequate support for medium- to long-term aging (Decanter).

Jeb Dunnuck gave the wine 95 points, highlighting its deep purple hue and "wonderful notes of crème de cassis, graphite, incense, and spice." He mentions its "medium to full-bodied richness," "supple, elegant texture," and "fine tannins." Dunnuck suggests allowing the wine to age for at least 4-6 years and enjoying it over the following two decades (jebdunnuck.com).

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also scored it 95 points, noting that it would need to add "significant richness and concentration" to compete with previous vintages. However, it remains an excellent wine with "classic aromas of crushed stone, cassis, espresso, and black olives." The review highlights its "full-bodied, fine and silky" texture and "great elegance on the lingering finish" (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate).

Vinous provided the highest score of 98 points, describing the wine's "assertively perfumed cassis, cherry liqueur, fruitcake, and floral aromas." The flavors are "densely packed, alluringly sweet" with notes of "black and blue fruit preserve, floral pastille, licorice, and mocha." The wine's "juicy and mineral-dominated finish" is framed by "building, well-wrought tannins" (Vinous).

Overall, the 2020 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle Syrah is a powerful and complex wine with excellent aging potential, receiving high praise from multiple esteemed reviewers.