Saturated red-ruby color. Brooding aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, gunflint and spices. Thick, dense and brooding, with sweet cassis, pepper and tobacco flavors framed and carried by firm acidity. Comes across as very ripe and broad, but this bottle at least does not show the porty character that some past vintages have displayed at the same stage. Finishes with firm tannins, hints of licorice and dark chocolate, and serious spine.

The 2001 Hermitage La Chapelle looks to be a strong effort, perhaps the finest since 1997. This is welcome news as this can be one of the world’s greatest wines. After an extremely severe selection (something that may have been lacking in previous vintages), the 2001 boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of creme de cassis intermixed with licorice and earth. Full-bodied, sweet, rich, and moderately tannic, it should merit a score in the low nineties, a good sign after a succession of uninspiring efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Following on the heels of the '03, the 2001 Hermitage la Chapelle failed to really impress. Savory, earthy and rustic, with notes of cured meats, herbs, tobacco, mint and olive, this medium-bodied, earthy and relatively mature effort should be drunk up over the coming 4-5 years.

Following on the heels of the '03, the 2001 Hermitage la Chapelle failed to really impress. Savory, earthy and rustic, with notes of cured meats, herbs, tobacco, mint and olive, this medium-bodied, earthy and relatively mature effort should be drunk up over the coming 4-5 years. Drink 2015 - 2020.

Jeb Dunnuck (eRobertParker.com, Sept 2015

From Tim Sykes's cellar (Tim has been a buyer for the Wine Society since 2012 though the Rhône is not in his remit). Bricky garnet with some oak on the nose. More extracted and more oaky than most earlier vintages but with a decent amount of fruit in the middle. Marked undergrowth character, high acid on the finish. Mature northern Rhône but not much class. Slightly harsh overall but maybe it will become more harmonious? (JH)