Well-Preserved Hermitage La Chapelle

A generous host gave me the chance to taste the following revelatory run of ancient vintages of Paul Jaboulet Aîné's flagship wine. Their state of preservation was in general most impressive, even if our bottle of 1966 was unusually decrepit. Such life in geriatric bottles would be difficult to replicate in Bordeaux.

1972 * Drink now

Extremely rich and sweet. So full of life it was meaty in flavour with a totally captivating jewelly texture. Real Rhône concentration, but then the wine slowly dried out in the glass suggesting it was slightly over the hill.

1971 *** Drink now -'08...