Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné La Chapelle Hermitage 2019 9L

Paul Jaboulet Aîné La Chapelle Hermitage 2019 in the rare 9L format is a monumental expression of Syrah from one of the Rhône Valley’s most storied hillsides. Sourced from the legendary Hermitage slope, this wine is already acclaimed as one of the standout vintages of the decade, with critics hinting it may reach perfection with time. The La Chapelle cuvée takes its name from the iconic chapel overlooking the vineyards, a site that has produced some of the Rhône’s most celebrated and ageworthy wines for generations.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 La Chapelle shows a deep, opaque ruby-purple hue, almost impenetrable at the core, signaling both concentration and youth. The nose is intense and layered, with seductive aromas of roasted meat, mocha, crushed stone, ripe plum and blackcurrant, all interwoven with hints of dark chocolate and subtle spice. There’s a distinct mineral edge that recalls sun-warmed rocks on the Hermitage hill. On the palate, this is full-bodied, powerful and incredibly concentrated, yet surprisingly refined in texture. The tannins are abundant but velvety, giving a luxurious, mouth-coating feel without harshness. Flavors of black fruits, plum compote, smoked meat and espresso are lifted by notes of cracked black pepper, crushed peppercorn and a savory hint of salted licorice that lingers through a long, complex finish. Still very youthful, this 2019 has remarkable aging potential; in large 9L format, it is poised to evolve gracefully over several decades, with its finest expression likely emerging 15–30 years from vintage and beyond.

Production
La Chapelle Hermitage is sourced from some of the most privileged parcels on the Hermitage hill in the northern Rhône, where Syrah vines cling to steep, south-facing granite terraces. The terroir is marked by poor, stony soils, excellent drainage and a continental climate with strong diurnal shifts, all of which contribute to intensity, structure and aromatic complexity. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to allow for strict selection in the vineyard and at the winery, ensuring only perfectly ripe fruit is used. Vinification focuses on preserving the character of the site: gentle extraction, temperature-controlled fermentations, and a judicious use of oak maturation (often in a mix of new and used French barrels) to build structure and complexity without overwhelming the pure Hermitage fruit. The result is a wine that captures both the power and the detailed finesse of this historic slope.

Food & Serving
This is a grand, richly structured Hermitage that shines with equally noble cuisine: think roasted or braised lamb, slow-cooked beef short ribs, venison, duck breast with dark fruit reduction, or game birds with truffle and wild mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with earthy dishes, such as mushroom ragout, lentils with smoked bacon, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or mature cheddar. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to emphasize its aromatics and finesse. Given its youth and concentration, decanting is strongly recommended—at least 2–3 hours for current drinking, and even longer as it matures—to allow the wine to unfold its full complexity, especially from a large 9L format.

Producer
Founded in 1834, Paul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the historic names of the Rhône Valley and a benchmark for Hermitage. Over nearly two centuries, the estate has become synonymous with La Chapelle, a cuvée that has earned legendary status among collectors—most famously with vintages like 1961, often cited as one of the greatest wines ever made. Today, under committed and quality-focused ownership, Jaboulet continues to steward some of the finest terroirs in the northern Rhône, with an emphasis on meticulous vineyard work and elevated standards in the cellar. The domaine’s role in shaping the global reputation of Hermitage is profound, and La Chapelle remains one of the region’s most sought-after and ageworthy expressions of Syrah.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.