2014 Hermitage La Chapelle

The 2014 Hermitage La Chapelle shows the more charming, supple style of the vintage and, while young, is certainly drinking nicely. Giving up pretty redcurrant and black raspberry fruits as well as chalky minerals, peppery herbs, spice, and hints of charred meat, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant texture, fine tannins, and a great finish. Despite the charming style in its fruit, it has classic Hermitage focus, minerality, and structure and is a wine that will evolve gracefully on its balance for another two decades. It should hit full maturity in another 4-5 years or so.

Dark purple. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark berries, cola, incense and smoky minerals, and a suave floral topnote builds in the glass. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated black and blue fruit, violet pastille and spicecake flavors; juicy acidity provides back-end cut and lift. Espresso, licorice and dark fruit liqueur notes cling on an impressively long, expansive finish framed by supple, building tannins.

While not at the level of the 2015, 2010 or 2009, the 2014 Hermitage La Chapelle is certainly a success and sports a deep ruby color as well as classic, medium to full-bodied notes of smoked meats, crushed violets, spice, black raspberries and currants. Elegant, seamless, finesse-driven and beautifully layered, with impeccable tannin quality, it will keep for two decades.