Domaine de La Chapelle - Hermitage La Chapelle 2011
On the Hermitage hill, above Tain-l’Hermitage, La Chapelle is born from the blend of several major named plots, including Le Méal, Les Bessards, Les Rocoules, and Les Greffieux. These stony parcels, planted with old syrahs that can be several decades old, provide complementary expressions that the estate assembles to seek depth, balance, and longevity. The vineyard is part of the history of the Jaboulet house, taken over by the Frey family in 2006, with significant work since then on wine precision and parcel expression. The steep relief of Hermitage, its sun exposures, and the diversity of its geological formations naturally give syrah a combination of power and tension. The 2011 vintage was built after an exceptionally warm spring, followed by a more contrasting summer, cool in July then significantly warmer from August onwards. The harvest took place from September 8 to 26 under generally dry and favorable conditions. This season gave birth to an Hermitage with a classic profile, less massive than some very sunny years but particularly interesting for its balance and vitality.
Hermitage La Chapelle 2011 is made exclusively from syrah. The selection of different origins on the hillside allows combining the density of Méal, the structure of Bessards, and the finer nuances brought by the other historic parcels. The vintage’s matter has significant depth, but the power remains contained by a fresh framework that gives movement to the tasting. After more than fifteen years of evolution, the tannins have begun to merge and the aromatic expression gradually gains complexity. The black fruits still present are now joined by spicy, smoky, and tertiary notes that enrich the character of the syrah. The estate describes the 2011 around black fruits, pepper, graphite, and brown tobacco, with a deep and silky mouthfeel. Its structure remains solid enough to consider several more years of aging under good conditions.
Today, the color shows a deep garnet with the rim beginning to reveal discreet evolved ruby nuances. The nose opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, and black plum, before developing touches of violet, pepper, and licorice. With aeration, graphite, brown tobacco, black olive, and delicate smoky notes gradually appear. The palate is distinguished by ample matter but without heaviness, supported by now silkier tannins and persistent freshness. The nuances of black fruits blend with spices, cocoa, and a stony dimension that prolongs the sensation of depth. The finish remains long, slightly peppery and smoky, with a character more complex than opulent at this stage of its evolution. Hermitage La Chapelle 2011 will accompany a matured rib of beef, a roasted rack of lamb, pigeon, royal hare, or game served with wild mushrooms.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah
