Critics Ratings

'Bright, round and fully evolved. Tannins disappeared. Fresh and lively. Rather sumptuous. Not quite the life of the Verset Cornas 1998. Complex and superior. Lightly salty.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Nov 2018)

'The hot summer with some rain in '88 made thick, full-bodied reds. This is no exception. Still young and closed, with tough and chewy tannins, with the terroir expressing a mineral, lead pencil and iron-tasting quality. Layered with Hermitage character. Connoisseurs will appreciate it now; others might cellar. Best from 2005 through 2020.' - Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Dec 1999)

'This was the first vintage in the vertical tasting of La Chapelle that is beginning to reveal considerable secondary nuances and color development. Opaque purple/garnet with a touch of amber at the edge, this sexy, rich effort is more pleasurable aromatically than on the palate. However, it possesses multiple dimensions as well as abundant aromas of cedar, damp forest, spice box, and Asian spices. The soaring bouquet suggested the wine was more mature in flavor than it turned out to be. The wine is dense, with a firm, noticeably tannic edge, full body, and concentrated, powerful flavors. It is a classy, understated La Chapelle that requires another 5-6 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (2000)

Provenance

Private Client