The Great Pretender

Hermitage in the Northern Rhone Valley slopesMany wine lovers consider the 1961 Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle Rouge to be one of the great wines; unfortunately it is very scarce. So is there an equivalent in the offing?

In conversation at a recent wine dinner, the subject turned to the staggering price that a case of 1961 Paul Jaboulet La Chapelle fetched at Christie’s Fine and Rare Wine Auction in London, a staggering GBP123,750 (HK$945187.00) inclusive of taxes and premiums, a European record for a single case of wine. The conversation then turned to the vintages of La Chapelle that might potentially be the equal of the enduring 1961. According to the vintage charts, the 1978 and 1990 are the obvious candidates.

Dr N K Yong, arguably one of the most erudite and seasoned fine wine palates in Asia offered the opinion, based on countless visits to Jaboulet and in-depth conversations with the late Gerard Jaboulet, “that while the 1978 was a most impressive wine, the 1990 is a stronger contender to match the 1961”. Wine critic and Rhone Valley enthusiast Robert Parker Jr scored both the 1978 and 1990 a perfect 100 and declared the 1990: “The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered.”

Full article below. We suggest click on the Fullscreen option for better reading experience.

This article was publish in Gafencu Men. All Rights Reserved.

 

By Curtis Marsh | Buying Wine | Related to: , , | 3 comments

You might also like:

Shalom Chin Burgundy Blog – Personal Serving Suggestions for Burgundy
Sommelier Shalom Chin Blog – Rhône Revelation Part 1
The Chateau La Lagune, France
Bordeaux En Primeur
Henriot Millesime Champagne 1998, France
Henriot Millesime 1998 Champagne, France
Cha-Bliss

3 Comments to The Great Pretender | Comments Feed

  • Kist says

    I thought it was going to be some boring old article, but it truly compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my site. I am sure my website visitors will find that very helpful.

    November 8, 2010
  • Evan Najarro says

    Great work keep it coming

    November 21, 2010
  • Whilden says

    Many interesting content. I would just like to know if your experience in this matter based on the theory and practice?

    November 27, 2010
  • The comments are closed.