Hermitage La Chapelle 2020 Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Robert Parker (94)

After the past several vintages, the 2020 Hermitage La Chapelle will need to add significant richness and concentration if it is to compete at that level. That said, it is still an excellent wine, with classic aromas of crushed stone, cassis, espresso and black olives. It's full-bodied, fine and silky, giving an impression of great elegance on the lingering finish.

James Suckling (97)

At first this feels like you’re standing in front of a set of locked gates. Huge power and structure without that much weight, thanks to the wonderful freshness that’s intertwined with the tarry depths of this Hermitage masterpiece. As it aerates smoked bacon, menthol and licorice notes develop, but I’d need much more space to give you all the aromas! The huge tannins at the finish are finely chiseled, suggesting this has decades of life ahead of it. From 40 to 100-year-old syrah vines.

Jancis Robinson (17.50)

Subdued but pure and profound. Tightly wound on the palate, the tannins powerful but refined, the fruit deep but underplayed. A saline edge that runs from start to finish adding length at the end. Needs to unfurl and expand but clearly has potential.