Hermitage La Chapelle 1990

Deep black crimson. Again, massive “legs” (I hardly ever see or write this). Wonderful fragrant, vivit healthy nose, slightly dormant at the moment. Extreme finesse of bouquet with a rosy bloom. One senses the enormous class. Dancing fruit on the palate. Not as massive as some, and I don’t think quite the ’61 character. More fruit and elegance. Sheer scent and perfume pervades it. Very blackberry finish. Finesse of tannins. Silky texture.'
SERENA SUTCLIFFE, MW 09/2000

'This is a vintage that produced four potentially perfect Hermitages. Chapoutier’s micro-cuvée called Le Pavillon, and both of Gérard Chave’s Hermitage cuvées (the regular bottling and the limited production Cuvée Cathelin), as well as Jaboulet’s La Chapelle, all flirt with perfection. Undoubtedly, the 1990 La Chapelle is the sexiest and most opulent of these wines. I had the 1990 at the Jaboulet tasting, and again out of a double magnum three months ago. On both occasions it was spectacular, clearly meriting a three-digit score. The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered. The color remains an opaque purple, with only a slight pink at the edge. Spectacular aromatics offer up aromas of incense, smoke, blackberry fruit, cassis, barbecue spice, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. As it sits in the glass, additional nuances of pepper and grilled steak emerge. There is extraordinary freshness for such a mammoth wine in addition to abundant tannin, an amazing 60-second finish, and a level of glycerin and thick, fleshy texture that have to be tasted to be believed. Despite its youthfulness, the 1990 La Chapelle is lovely to drink, although it will be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it should age for 35-40+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2050.
Looking at my original notes, I observed that the late Gérard Jaboulet told me that for this particular vintage they increased the percentage of new oak to 50% (versus the 20-25% normally used), and that the maceration period was an amazing 44 days.' (100)
ROBERT PARKER’S – WINE ADVOCATE 06/2000

'Splendid colour. Still back at the rim. Full, rich, concentrated, opulent profound nose. Not too adolescent but it still has a way to go. There is really a huge of wine here. Very full and substantial, yet not a bit too muscular. Rich and abundant. Finely balanced with very good ripe acidity. Full of raspberry and blackcurrant. The finish is already very sweet. A big wine of splendid potential, which will be very silky and complex. Very brilliant! But it needs time.'
THE VINE CLIVE COATES, MW 12/1999

'As expected from this ideal vintage, this '90 is sensational. Inky in color and solidly anchored in its terroir, it springs to life with a symphony of flavors, from mineral to wet earth and blackberry. Marvelous balance among fruit, acidity and smooth tannins. Drink now through 2025.' (97)
WINE SPECTATOR 12/1999