Hermitage La Chapelle, Paul Jaboulet Ainé 2006

TERROIR:

Granite and gravel

HISTORY:

Over centuries, this mythical cru has built its reputation on a single hill, and an epic history. In the beginning, the hill was home to a hermitage founded by Henri Gaspard de Sterimberg in 1224. This knight, returning from the Albigensian Crusade, and weary of bloodshed, asked permission to Blanche of Castille to take refuge from the world on the summit of this granite hill. Soon joined by others, the community began to plant vines.

WINEMAKING:

At a perfect maturity, the Syrah grapes are picked by hand, carried in small crates to the winery, they are hand-sorted, destemmed and slightly crushed. The macerations on skin lasts 3 to 4 weeks with daily pump overs.

TASTING NOTES:

Glass-staining ruby. Powerful scents of red and dark berry preserves, smoked meat, violet and minerals. Velvety texture , with deep, liqueur-like red berry flavors, gentle tannins, and a strong undercurrent of lively minerals. Smoky, yet lush finish.