The 1999 vintage is now entering full maturity, offering rich black-fruit character layered with spice and savoury complexity. The palate is chewy and smooth, with notes of sweet dark fruit, subtle leather and evolving tannins that reflect its age. While slightly more restrained and austere in structure compared to benchmark vintages, it remains an excellent, classic Hermitage with proven longevity.

The Wine Advocate | RP 89
Published: Jun 30, 2003
Drink: 2006-2028

I retasted the 1999 Hermitage La Chapelle. While it is unquestionably an excellent effort, it is well below the standards of the appellation's benchmark producers. It requires another 3-5 years of cellaring, and should last twenty-five years, but it will always lack volume and density, and possess a certain austerity. 

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Jun 21, 2024
Drink: 2012-2030

From The Wine Society's cellar.
The first bottle was suffering from mild to moderate TCA – more obvious on the palate than on the nose. But the second bottle, opened at lunch after the tasting, was much better. Rich, chewy and smooth. With spice and sweet, black-fruit flavours, the tannins starting to become leathery but not yet resolved. (JH)