Jaboulet Hermitage la Chapelle 2006

Paul Jaboulet Aîné – Hermitage “La Chapelle” 2006

Rhône Valley, France

Few wines carry as much legend as La Chapelle, the crown jewel of Hermitage and one of the Rhône’s most iconic expressions of Syrah. The 2006 vintage—a classic, finely structured year—delivers all the depth, spice, and gravitas that define this sacred hillside, balanced by an elegance that speaks to Jaboulet’s timeless craftsmanship.

Drawn from the estate’s most revered parcels—Le Méal, Les Bessards, and Les Rocoules—this wine shows layered complexity and slow-building power. The nose reveals blackberry, smoked meat, tapenade, and cracked pepper, while the palate unfolds with plum, licorice, graphite, and hints of truffle and herbs. The tannins are polished, the texture seamless, and the finish seemingly endless.

At nearly two decades of age, the 2006 La Chapelle has entered a sublime drinking window—showing both the depth of mature Syrah and the vitality that only Hermitage’s granite slopes can bestow.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Dark berries, cured meats, olive, spice, and crushed stone

• Palate: Full-bodied and layered; dense fruit framed by mineral grip and savory nuance

• Finish: Long, smoky, and hauntingly elegant

Drink now–2040. Decant for 1–2 hours before serving at 17°C.

🔥 Why We Love It: This is Hermitage at its peak—majestic yet restrained, with an old-world nobility that commands respect. A perfect bridge between Jaboulet’s historic past and its modern refinement under Caroline Frey’s stewardship.