HERMITAGE, LA CHAPELLE 1978 PAUL JABOULET AINE |

Hermitage, La Chapelle 1978 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Lot 7365: Labels heavily bin soiled, scuffed and damp stained, 2 damaged neck slips, very slightly corroded capsules, excellent levels, color and clarity, Lot 7366: Labels heavily bin soiled, scuffed and damp stained, 2 slightly damaged, 2 damaged, very slightly corroded capsules, excellent levels, color and clarity, Lot 7367: Labels heavily soiled, 4 nicked, 1 partially torn and missing on the left edge, soiled neck slips, 2 heavily wrinkled, 5 very slightly raised corks, excellent levels, color and clarityIn 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 7365:12 bts (cn) 7366:12 bts (cn) 7367:12 bts (cn)Estimates are per lot