Tasted blind. A minerally, leather nose. Not as hedonistic as Guigal’s “La Turque” that was tasted blind alongside. More reserve with low acidity. Full-bodied and very concentrated with layers of ripe, sappy black fruit. Perhaps a little monolithic at the moment but I think this will evolve into a very complex wine - but it will take time. A sophisticated, understated wine. Tasted April 2001.

This was low yield after frost, but has plenty of concentration, if a little strict. As it is coaxed out of the glass, beautiful crushed roses and tobacco leaf aromatics come through, along with campfire and smoked earth, chamomile bud, incense, saffron, cranberry compote. Aged between 228l Burgundy barrels and old-fashioned resin vats. Gerard Jaboulet at the time was owner and his brother Jacques winemaker. I have had better bottles of this particular vintage, but that's the gamble of opening mature wine!

Showing a touch of oxidation, but still thoroughly enjoyable, full-bodied and textured, the 1991 Hermitage la Chapelle has lots of olive and darker fruits, as well as that mature la Chapelle bouquet of chocolate, soy and roasted meats. Big, fleshy and textured on the palate, I love it for its richness and it still has plenty of sweet tannin. I wouldn't push the aging curve here and see no reason to delay gratification, especially with the subtle kiss of oxidation. Nevertheless, this outstanding Hermitage offers plenty of character.

Jacques Jaboulet stated that in 1991, the weather was fine until harvest, when it turned damp and gloomy. The saturated dark ruby/purple-colored 1991 La Chapelle is just beginning to reveal secondary nuances. Aromas of Asian spices, soy, grilled steak, pepper, and blackberries are beginning to emerge. Ripe and dense, with tart acidity (a cool vintage characteristic), it is a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, impressively-endowed La Chapelle with surprising length and intensity. It looks to be slightly better than I originally suggested. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020

Rained halfway through the harvest in a generally rainy vintage. The Wine Society was the only merchant to do a Rhône 1991 primeur offer. Deep garnet with a pale rim. Intense. Succulent and gorgeous. (JR)

From The Wine Society's cellar. Bricky garnet. Open, red-fruited, juicy. Much lighter bodied than the 1990 but really fragrant. Lightish, beautifully balanced and fresh. Light, dry tannic finish. Really lovely in a distinctive style. (JH)