Jaboulet 2016 Hermitage "La Chapelle" 750ml

Sourced from the granitic western portion of the appellation, the 2016 Hermitage La Chapelle features mouthwatering aromas of black olives and charred beef. It's full-bodied and creamy-velvety in texture, incredibly lush without being overtly fruity. In fact, it's largely savory, with elegant shadings of leather and spice on the long, silky finish. Yet despite being delicious now, this still has the granite backbone to age through 2040.

Score: 96 points -- Joe Czerwinski, Robertparker.com, Oct 2018

Inky ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, exotic spices, cured tobacco, olive and potpourri are given vivacity by a smoky mineral nuance. Fresh and expansive in the mouth, displaying deeply concentrated boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors, along with suggestions of candied violet, star anise and bitter chocolate. The floral and mineral notes return on the strikingly long, penetrating finish, which features harmonious tannins and a sweet touch of candied licorice. Drink: 2028-2038

Score: 96 points -- Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 2019