Lot presentation

Hermitage La Chapelle Paul Jaboulet Ainé 2009

The wine

In the hills of Hermitage, La Chapelle is the name to be reckoned with, and the wine from this parcel is legendary – it is among the most sought-after in the world, especially the 1961 vintage, which has been ranked one of the 12 iconic wines of the twentieth century. The white Hermitage La Chapelle is produced from fifty-year-old vineyards on the Rocoules terroir. The nose is complex, with fruity, mineral notes, developing hints of honey and candied fruit. With its remarkable balance between vivacity and roundness, it has exceptional length in the mouth. It offers excellent potential for keeping.

About the Producer Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Antoine Jaboulet set up his winemaking business Tain-l’Hermitage in 1834. He was succeeded by his sons, Paul and Henri, who in turn passed the baton to Paul’s son Louis. Next came Louis’s son Gérard and then, in 1997, Gérard’s cousin, Michel Jaboulet. He ran the domain until 2006 when it was bought by the Frey Group, which also owns vineyards in Champagne and Bordeaux (Château la Lagune). The heritage is nothing short of exceptional: 125 hectares of vines, including 25 gracing the slopes of the famous Hermitage Hill, the second-largest vineyard on this prestigious terrain. Several other remarkable appellations complete the selection: Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Today, with oenologist Caroline Frey at the helm, this already well-established estate, is confidently regaining its outstanding status.
In 2013, Maison Jaboulet officially converted its vineyards to organic practices. By 2015, the domain received “High Environmental Value” certification. Accreditations aside, the domain’s ambition to elevate the unique characteristics of the diverse Rhône terroirs remains unchanged. It achieves this goal by preserving the quality of the fruit, through meticulous vinification, and attentive ageing.