{"product_id":"paul-jaboulet-aine-la-chapelle-hermitage-2020-solomon-18-l","title":"Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné La Chapelle Hermitage 2020 Solomon 18L","description":"\u003cp\u003eBottled in an ultra-rare 18-litre Solomon format, the Paul Jaboulet Aîné La Chapelle Hermitage 2020 is a monumental expression of one of the Rhône Valley’s most storied wines. Sourced from the fabled slopes of Hermitage and named after the iconic hillside chapel, this pure Syrah captures both the power and refinement that have made La Chapelle a benchmark for Northern Rhône reds. The 2020 vintage offers immediate aromatic complexity and generous fruit, with a structure that will reward both collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the unique ageing potential of large-format bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2020 La Chapelle Hermitage shows a deep, dense ruby-purple core that hints at its concentration and youth. The nose is layered and evocative, opening with cedar, crushed stone and pencil shavings, then unfolding into dark plum and black cherry, mocha, earth and a savoury black olive character that is quintessential Hermitage. Subtle notes of spice and dried herbs add further complexity as it breathes.\n\nOn the palate, this is full-bodied yet surprisingly approachable, with ripe dark fruit at the core—plum, blackberry and blackcurrant—supported by finely woven tannins and balanced acidity. There is a sense of openness and early charm, with the mineral and earthy tones from the granite slopes lending depth rather than sheer weight. The finish is long and savoury, more about nuance than sheer power, showing notes of cocoa, graphite and olive tapenade. While some vintages of La Chapelle are built for very long-term cellaring, the 2020 is likely to show beautifully in the medium term, especially in this 18 L format that naturally slows evolution and preserves freshness over decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLa Chapelle Hermitage is drawn from some of the finest parcels on the iconic Hermitage hill in the Northern Rhône, where Syrah thrives on steep, sun-drenched slopes of decomposed granite, limestone and alluvial soils. These warm, well-drained terraces, tempered by the Mistral wind, create small, concentrated berries with intense flavour and natural freshness. Grapes are typically harvested by hand, parcel by parcel, to ensure optimal ripeness and careful selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, traditional Northern Rhône methods prevail: gentle extraction, fermentation in temperature-controlled vats and subsequent ageing in oak, with a thoughtful proportion of new barrels to frame the wine without overwhelming its terroir character. The result is a wine that marries La Chapelle’s historic depth and structure with the purity and precision of modern winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 2020 La Chapelle Hermitage is a natural partner for rich, savoury dishes: think roast lamb with herbs, slow-braised beef or venison, duck with a red wine reduction, or game birds with wild mushrooms. It also works beautifully with aged hard cheeses such as Comté or mature Gouda, and with dishes featuring olives, rosemary, or black truffle that echo its savoury notes. Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F) to highlight both fruit and complexity. Given the scale of the Solomon format and the wine’s youth, decant generously—at least 2–3 hours in advance for near-term enjoyment, and longer if you’re opening it in its first decade—to allow the aromatics and texture to fully unfurl.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFounded in 1834, Paul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the great historic houses of the Rhône Valley and a name virtually synonymous with Hermitage. La Chapelle, named after the small chapel of Saint-Christophe that watches over the hill, has long been considered one of the region’s reference bottlings and has produced some of the 20th century’s most legendary Syrahs. Since the Frey family took over in 2006, significant investment in vineyard work and cellar precision has further elevated quality, reaffirming Jaboulet’s status as a flagship estate of the Northern Rhône. La Chapelle remains the crown jewel of the portfolio and a benchmark for collectors seeking the singular character and longevity of top Hermitage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252728910161,"sku":"PS-14813202710908","price":5009.6,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/LaChapelleHermitage.png?v=1783446351","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/paul-jaboulet-aine-la-chapelle-hermitage-2020-solomon-18-l","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}