2011, La Chapelle
Paul Jaboulet Aine

The 2011 vintage

Weather conditions

After an autumn which was pretty wet – in particular with more than 30cm of snow in Tain l’Hermitage in December, the winter was cold and dry. Spring was atypical in the Northern Rhône Valley area with summer-like temperatures in the months of April and May.

The return of the rainfalls comes in June to relieve the young vines which had begun to suffer from the drought. Thunderstorms blew in every 15 days from the month of September with a little hail at the end of August. The summer began rather coldly in July, warmed up in August and then finished hot in the beginning of September. The harvest began under a shining sun and concluded with dryness after a few rainfalls.

Tasting notes

Since its birth, this 2011 has been the bearer of great aromatic diversity, combining black fruit, Madagascar pepper, graphite and brown tobacco. Perfectly restrained in its power, it is deeply silky on the palate and carries far, thanks to an energy that boosts the heart and the finish, where the caudalies line up.

A gorgeous intensity of plum, spice and grilled meat on the nose. Cloves and hints of dried spices. This is a big, structured La Chappelle. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A bit austere and muscular but gorgeous. Tar, spice, dried meat and asphalt. Needs to be aged for at least another five or six years. This is another 1991 in the making.

- James Suckling, 97 points

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 licorice all emerge from this full-bodied, open, sweetly fruited Hermitage. It has plenty of sweet tannin and will last for 20+ years. 

- Wine Advocate, 95 points