HERMITAGE, LA CHAPELLE 1978 PAUL JABOULET AINE |

Hermitage, La Chapelle 1978 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Lot 7356: Labels 5 slightly soiled, neck slips 6 slightly soiled, 1 slightly damaged capsule, very slightly sunken corks, 1 sign of old seepage, excellent levels, color and clarity, Lot 7357: 6 bts - The Wine Society slip label integrated into labels, soiled and marked, neck labels slightly wrinkled, good levels, 3 capsules sunken and slightly worn, good color and clarity, 6 bts - Good levels, labels and neck labels heavily damp stained and soiled, 1 cork raised, 3 corks slightly raisedIn 2016, this retains all its splendour, dimension and sheer, juicy excitement. The great structure is still there, of course, but in the background, with the liquorice, tobacco and cocoa dominating. A very complete experience, ultra satisfying and balancing power and succulence as brilliantly as ever. It is mature Syrah-gamey too, an incredible autumn/winter wine (or an English summer wine, which is when I last drank it!). Serena Sutcliffe, MW WA 100 7356:12 bts (oc) 7357:12 bts (2 cn)Estimates are per lot