2011, Domaine de la Chapelle, HERMITAGE, 'La Chapelle'

The 2011 Hermitage la Chapelle continues to shine (I wrote "love it" in the notes) and shows the sunnier, perfumed style of the vintage. Black raspberry, crushed rocks, olive and liquorice all emerge from this full-bodied, open, sweetly fruited Hermitage. It has plenty of sweet tannin and will last for 20+ years.  95 Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate.

(made from yields that ranged from 10 to 19 hectolitres per hectare, according to Caroline Frey): Inky ruby. Heady aromas of candied dark berries, incense, violet and liquorice, with a smoky top note that gains strength with aeration. Offers sweet, palate-staining blueberry and cherry-cola flavours that are lifted and sharpened by juicy acidity. Broad, supple and spicy on the finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins and sexy floral pastille and spice cake nuances. This wine is one of the standouts of the vintage in the entire Rhone Valley this vintage.  94 Josh Raynolds, Vinous (March 2014).

Remarkably mature already, this has an earthy side to its dense black fruits, with a touch of sweet leaf mulch. It's very full-bodied, lush and thick, with piercing acidity and noticeable alcohol. It leans towards over extraction in 2011 and certainly makes an impression.  92 Matt Wells, Decanter (Jan 2019).