2021 Hermitage, La Chapelle, Domaine de La Chapelle, Rhône

The 2021 Hermitage La Chapelle, 100% Syrah, is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a little coaxing to bring out beautifully perfumed notes of black cherries, violets, and black raspberries, leading to wafts of charcoal, cracked black pepper, and wild sage with a hint of iron ore. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly crafted and refreshing, with very soft tannins and a long aniseed-laced finish. This was the year the name was changed from Jaboulet's La Chapelle to Domaine de La Chapelle, still owned by the Frey family.

Drink 2025 - 2045

Incredibly deep and complex nose for the 2021 vintage with masses of forest berry, licorice and autumn trumpet mushroom aromas, with an enormous tannin structure that's very refined. The classic power of Hermitage comes through at the extremely long finish. Although the tannins are anything but aggressive, the aromas will need considerable time to fully unfurl. From parcels on the western side of the Hermitage hill with predominantly granite soils, the largest parcel being in Le Meal. From organically grown grapes.

Drinkable now, but best from 2026.