HERMITAGE, LA CHAPELLE 1978 PAUL JABOULET AINE |

Hermitage, La Chapelle 1978 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Lot 7369: u. 1x3cm, labels damp stained, 2 peeling, 4 slightly torn, 2 creased and peeling, 1 damaged, 4 capsules corroded, 5 corks slightly raised, good color and clarity, Lot 7370: u. 5x3cm, 11 labels with importer slips incorporated, scuffed and bin soiled, corroded capsules, 1 believed late release with new labelIn 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 7369:12 bts (cn) 7370:12 bts (cn)Estimates are per lot