10th
Last night, we had the great pleasure of tasting an ethereal, elegant bottle of Jaboulet—largely attributable to provenance and proper cellaring. I have had this same vintage in restaurants on three occasions in the past year or so—none of the examples was nearly as delectable.
This 1982 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle Hermitage was surprisingly dark in color. Incredibly complex and elegant bouquet—utterly sensual—with game, racy red fruit, with undertones of mature black fruit, soy sauce and mineral notes; exotic spice, black olive, cassis, tobacco, plum, with the faintest hint of tobacco. The palate is concentrated and powerful while elegant—and immediately feminine silky tannins, long, lasting finish, that falls off a bit—but an immense honor to drink this wine. I recommend drinking now—though this wine will show beautifully through 2009.