The 2011 Paul Jaboulet La Chapelle Hermitage is one of the Rhône Valley’s most legendary wines, produced from old-vine Syrah grown on the steep granite slopes of Hermitage hill. Named after the famous chapel overlooking the vineyard, La Chapelle has long been regarded as one of the benchmark wines of France, with a history that includes some of the greatest Syrah vintages ever made.
The 2011 vintage shows a more elegant and refined expression compared to the monumental 2009 or 2010 releases, focusing on freshness, aromatic detail and balance rather than sheer power. Following the Frey family’s revitalisation of the estate, the wine combines traditional Hermitage character with greater precision and vineyard expression.
The nose is intensely complex and savoury, showing blackberry, cassis and dark plum layered with smoked meat, black olive, pepper, graphite and violet. With further aeration, earthy and gamey nuances emerge alongside subtle spice and mineral depth. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet remarkably composed, with fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, structured finish driven by granite minerality and savoury complexity.
The 1500mL magnum format significantly enhances ageing potential, allowing the wine to evolve more slowly and develop additional nuance and integration over decades.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is a true "collector’s Rhône icon" - one of the world’s great Syrah wines. Compared to Barossa Shiraz, La Chapelle is more savoury, mineral and structured; compared to Côte-Rôtie, it carries more power and depth. The 2011 vintage is especially attractive for customers who appreciate elegance and classic Hermitage character rather than sheer density. In magnum format, this becomes a serious long-term cellar piece and an incredible centrepiece for fine dining occasions. Drink with extended decanting now or cellar for another 15–25+ years. Perfect with game, lamb, beef Wellington or refined French cuisine.
