Compared to the Chave Hermitage 1990, the La Chapelle has far more complexity and “thrust” on the nose as it soars out of the glass with scents of macerated red cherries, sloes, garrigues and allspice. The palate is svelte and smooth in the glass, firm tannins, enormous depth and dimension with concentrated dark animally fruits and a saline touch towards the finish. This will be an incredible wine no doubt, but it needs another decade in the bottle. Tasted May 2011.

The 1990 La Chapelle is sexy and opulent. I had the 1990 at the Jaboulet tasting, and again out of a double magnum three months ago. On both occasions it was spectacular, clearly meriting a three-digit score. The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered. The color remains an opaque purple, with only a slight pink at the edge. Spectacular aromatics offer up aromas of incense, smoke, blackberry fruit, cassis, barbecue spice, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. As it sits in the glass, additional nuances of pepper and grilled steak emerge. There is extraordinary freshness for such a mammoth wine in addition to abundant tannin, an amazing 60-second finish, and a level of glycerin and thick, fleshy texture that have to be tasted to be believed. Despite its youthfulness, the 1990 La Chapelle is lovely to drink, although it will be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it should age for 35-40+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2050.