The 2020 Hermitage La Chapelle shows great power and structure but with a notable freshness that keeps it from feeling heavy. It opens with dark plum, crushed stone, and subtle mocha notes, alongside hints of earth, cedar, and black olives. The tannins are large and finely chiseled, suggesting excellent aging potential. While full-bodied, some find it less concentrated and energetic compared to the stellar 2019 vintage, making it a wine to enjoy over the medium to long term. The style is harmonious, savory, and supported by fine, plentiful tannins with a slightly dry finish.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 96-97
Published: Mar 15, 2022

At first this feels like you’re standing in front of a set of locked gates. Huge power and structure without that much weight, thanks to the wonderful freshness that’s intertwined with the tarry depths of this Hermitage masterpiece. As it aerates smoked bacon, menthol and licorice notes develop, but I’d need much more space to give you all the aromas! The huge tannins at the finish are finely chiseled, suggesting this has decades of life ahead of it. From 40 to 100-year-old syrah vines. From biodynamically grown grapes.

The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: May 16, 2024
Drink: 2025-2040

While still a terrific wine that has come in at the upper end of my barrel-sample rating, I must confess to a modest level of disappointment in the 2020 Hermitage La Chapelle. On the nose, it's gently cedary, with crushed stone and pencil shavings accenting dark, plummy fruit, plus mocha, earth and black olives. It's full-bodied but not that rich or concentrated, with an open-knit feel and a shortage of energy and drive on the finish. Collectors may want to enjoy this over the (relatively) near term while waiting for their more-promising 2019s to mature.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Oct 1, 2021
Drink: 2028-2036

Measured, fresh and harmonious in 2020, this Chapelle is potent, fairly concentrated and quite savoury in style. Tannins are fine, plentiful, a touch dry, but they give plenty of support for medium- to long-term ageing.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 15.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 100% Syrah / Shiraz

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16.5
Published: May 30, 2022
Drink: 2021-2031

Mostly Marsanne and Roussanne selected from Chevalier de Sterimberg. First vintage was 2001, previous vintage 2014.
Almond, apricot, lemon juice with a surprising zinginess. Delicious fruit, in a lighter style than most Hermitage. There's excellent mealy texture, finished with that tangy acid again. 

Jaboulet.com

Founded in 1834 on the Hermitage hill in Tain l'Hermitage, the Paul Jaboulet Aîné estate oversees an exceptional heritage, bringing together the most renowned terroirs of the northern Rhône Valley. 105 hectares of vines stretching from Cornas to Côte-Rôtie. Under the leadership of Caroline Frey, precise winemaking, combined with meticulous care of our vines, allows us to produce tailor-made vintages that have been certified organic since 2016.