Paul Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage Petite Chapelle

Paul Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage Petite ChapelleTasted blind. Glowing colour. Gentle, savoury nose. Fireworks on the nose but a bit lean and reductive on the finish. Is this the Italian? Lightly bitter finish and pretty drying. Not much sweet fruit here. Marked acidity.

Readers should be aware that the 2010 was sold in two tranches

as one would reasonably expect

layered and multidimensional

dark currant and forest floor

After a timid opening it settles down with attractive mulberry

It’s delightful

This is a bit atypical but no less attractive for it and a Bèze that should amply reward a decade plus of cellaring

An outstanding wine

most of which can also be found on the rich

Neither the 1995 nor 1996 performed as well as they had in the past

The vineyard that produces the grape for the 2022 La Baixada is classified in the Vinya Classificada category of the Priorat appellation

powerful and intensely stony flavors that culminate in an explosive finish with the same vaguely saline quality as the Bienvenues