Dark red in colour, the 2007 is intense and aromatic on the nose withsweet spices, floral notes of peonies and very ripe fruit. The palate ispowerful with excellent fruit concentration of dark berries, spice andvanilla. The tannins are firm, and balance the full body and freshacidity well. The long berry finish is smooth and refined, with a touch ofsavouriness as the wine opens and mellows.

Legendary Rhône producer Paul Jaboulet was bought by the Freyfamily in January 2006, since when it has undergone a qualityrenaissance. The Frey family, owners of Château La Lagune, has ahistory of investing in quality and is determined to restore the Jabouletwines to their former glory. Much of the old oak in the cellars wasthrown out and almost 25,000 cases worth of wine was sold off in bulkas it was not good enough to go into the revamped Jaboulet blends.In addition, about 72,000 bottles were tipped down the drain. CarolineFrey now manages the estate and makes the wine, aided by JacquesDesvernois and consultant Denis Dubourdieu. The renewed emphasison quality is to be seen in the current releases, from the modestlypricedParallèle 45 up to the iconic Hermitage La Chapelle.

La Petite Chapelle is made from Jaboulet‘s vineyards on theHermitage hill. Soils here are a mix of granite and gravel overlaid withmica-schist and gneiss and round, alluvial pebbles. The vines aregoblet-trained and and tied to vertical stakes to give them supportwhen the strong Mistral wind blows. The vines are over 45 years old.

After an unseasonably warm spring, meaning that the buds openedearly, the weather became less clement over summer 2007. A series ofrainy spells replenished water reserves in the area and thinning outboth bunches and leaves ensured that the vines remained in excellenthealth. The rigorous selection of grapes on the vine meant only grapesof exceptional quality went into the presses and as a result this vintagewill be notable for the marvellous aromatic intensity of the Hermitage. The harvest began on 3rd October and finished on the 9th.