100 James Suckling
I have always been a huge fan of this wine, with incredible depth and richness of character. Dried meat, game, berry, spice, asphalt and tar. Full body with layers of ripe tannins and spice. It goes on for minutes on the finish. This is a fabulously spicy with black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, black truffles, sous bois and licorice. Decant two or three hours before serving. Purity and balance. This is the legendary 1961 again.
96 Robert Parker
This fabulous, blockbuster has been totally unevolved since bottling, but at the Jaboulet tasting, it was beginning to reveal some of its formidable potential. A saturated opaque purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, minerals, and hot bricks/wood fire. Super-ripe and full-bodied, with a massive mid-section, teeth-staining extract, and mouth-searing tannin, it is a monster-sized La Chapelle. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050
96 Wine Spectator
A torrid summer with little rain and good weather during the harvest led to a Chapelle of immense potential. Burly and not as seamless as the '90, with layers of this wine's typical plum, mineral and blackberry notes. While monolithic like a granite block, all the pieces should come together as it ages.--La Chapelle vertical. Best from 2005 through 2030. 9,000 cases made. PM
96 Robert Parker
This fabulous, blockbuster has been totally unevolved since bottling, but at the Jaboulet tasting, it was beginning to reveal some of its formidable potential. A saturated opaque purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, minerals, and hot bricks/wood fire. Super-ripe and full-bodied, with a massive mid-section, teeth-staining extract, and mouth-searing tannin, it is a monster-sized La Chapelle. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050
96 Wine Spectator
A torrid summer with little rain and good weather during the harvest led to a Chapelle of immense potential. Burly and not as seamless as the '90, with layers of this wine's typical plum, mineral and blackberry notes. While monolithic like a granite block, all the pieces should come together as it ages.--La Chapelle vertical. Best from 2005 through 2030. 9,000 cases made. PM