1990 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

The vintage may differ from the image shown
Login to see the price

Description

chevron-down

The Hidden Cellar is Grand Cruwijnen's exclusive wine club concept, specially designed for our most loyal customers. You automatically become a member if you regularly order from Grand Cruwijnen. As a Hidden Cellar member, you'll have first access to a selection of exceptionally rare wines: vintage vintages, iconic Bordeaux appellations and Burgundies, Italian Super Tuscans, Napa Valley wines, and rare Champagnes. We can offer these gems directly from the wineries at very attractive prices—well below market value. These are often wines that are no longer available elsewhere or have become unaffordable. So, the wines come directly from the wineries and haven't traveled halfway around the world in questionable circumstances. Click here to view all the benefits of The Hidden Cellar.

A legendary Hermitage, rare in perfection and with an almost timeless vitality.

The legacy of Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Founded in 1834, the Paul Jaboulet Aîné estate is one of the Rhône Valley's most iconic names. From Tain-l'Hermitage, the family built a reputation for wines that combine power and finesse, with Hermitage La Chapelle as their flagship. The name refers to the chapel of Saint-Christophe, high above the Rhône, where the vineyards are terraced on the steep slopes. Since its founding, the estate has remained true to its philosophy: respect for terroir, precise vinification, and the pursuit of wines with soul. Today, the vineyards are managed by Caroline Frey, who continues the tradition of precision and elegance with modern insights into organic and biodynamic viticulture.

The legendary vineyard of La Chapelle

The Hermitage hillside, in the northern Rhône, is renowned for its unique terroir of granite, limestone, and mica. Jaboulet's best parcels are located in Les Bessards , Le Méal , and Les Greffieux —each with its own distinct character that contributes to the complexity of La Chapelle. The southern exposure ensures optimal ripening, while the altitude preserves freshness and elegance. The vines are deeply rooted in poor, stony soils, resulting in grapes with intensely concentrated aromas and a powerful structure.

The 1990 wine year: a historically great harvest

The 1990 vintage is widely considered one of the greatest vintages of the twentieth century in the northern Rhône. The growing season was warm and dry, with perfect conditions for Syrah. The grapes reached optimal ripeness with thick skins and deep color concentration. This year's wines combine richness with remarkable freshness, a rare balance that provides impressive aging potential.

Vinification and maturation

The Hermitage La Chapelle 1990 is made entirely from Syrah, sourced from the oldest vines in Jaboulet's top vineyards. Fermentation took place in concrete vats with a long maceration to achieve maximum extraction. Maturation lasted 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, some of which were new. The wine was bottled without excessive fining or filtration to preserve its authenticity. The result is a wine of unparalleled depth, power, and balance—a textbook example of what classic Hermitage can be.

Tasting note: pure power and timeless elegance

The 1990 Hermitage La Chapelle still boasts a deep dark color, with only a subtle ruby rim. The bouquet is complex and intense: ripe blackcurrant, smoked meat, dark chocolate, licorice, and warm spices blend in layered harmony. The palate is full and silky, with an unprecedented texture that feels both rich and refined. The balance between still-vibrant fruit and ripe secondary notes is impressive. According to The Wine Advocate, this wine received a perfect 100 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who called it "insanely textured, pure, and hedonistic" and emphasized that this is perhaps his favorite vintage of the three iconic vintages—1961, 1978, and 1990. This Hermitage showcases the rare combination of power, freshness, and purity possessed only by the world's greatest wines.

Storage potential and drinking advice

Although impressive in its youth, this wine has since developed into a monument of harmony. The 1990 La Chapelle is now at a breathtaking level of maturity, but will continue to develop well beyond 2040. The balance of structure, purity, and freshness makes this a wine that can last for decades. Wine is a natural product, and it's always fascinating to see how a wine develops after so many years. Is it still at its peak or has it passed its peak? That makes opening a bottle like this extra special and exciting—a unique experience for the true wine lover.

Would you like to order Paul Jaboulet Aîné wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle 1990

  • Venison steak with black truffle and potato mousseline: the earthy and spicy notes of the dish enhance the depth of the wine.
  • Beef cheek in red wine sauce with carrot and thyme: the creamy texture of the meat complements the velvety tannins of the Syrah beautifully.
  • Roast pigeon with lentils and balsamic jus: the gamey notes complement the smoky and spicy complexity of the wine.
  • Lamb stew with rosemary and garlic: the Mediterranean herbs reflect the spiciness of the Hermitage.
  • Beef carpaccio with truffle and Parmesan: the freshness and pure fruit notes of the wine bring balance to the rich flavors.
  • Roasted aubergine with olives and tomato: the savoury and earthy texture makes a surprisingly elegant pairing with this classic Rhône.

Specifications

chevron-down
Available as of Oct 21, 2025
Type of Wine Red
Country France
Region Rhone
Appellation Hermitage
Winery Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 1990
Drinking as of 2010
Drinking till 2040
Alcohol % 14
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging No
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Parker rating 100

Professional Reviews

chevron-down

Parker

100

Wijnhuis

chevron-down

La Chapelle Hermitage takes us back to the year 1224, when knight Henri-Gaspard de Sterimberg, back from the Crusades, decides to settle as a hermit on a small hill. By building a small chapel and surrounding it with Syrah vines, le Chevalier de Sterimberg started a legendary backdrop, the Hermitage Hill. Since 1919, the Jaboulet family and then the Frey family have succeeded each other in cultivating the vines of their iconic wines. Founded in 1834 by the eldest (Aîné) son of winegrower Antoine Jaboulet, it developed into a monument of viticulture in the Rhone region. After the Swiss Frey family, in the person of Jean-Jacques Frey, took over in 2006, it received a new impulse, thanks to investments in vineyards, housing and winemaking facilities.

The Frey family has been involved in winemaking for generations. In addition to being the owner of one of the most beautiful vineyards in the Champagne region and shareholder of the prestigious Maison Billecart-Salmon champagne house, the family also owns Château La Lagune in Haut-Médoc. Caroline Frey, the eldest daughter of Jean-Jacques, made her first wine from Château La Lagune in 2004. Today she is ultimately responsible for the wines of Château La Lagune and, together with Frederic Jaboulet, for the wines of Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

Attachments

chevron-down