This bottle of 1983 Hermitage La Chapelle was stored properly since shortly after release and had a very good fill and sound cork. The color is still quite deep, with only a bit of age showing around the rim. There is fairly intense cherry and dark fruit. There is plenty of acid, perhaps a bit much for some tastes. The tannins are now under control. This is a huge wine, sort of a gorilla beating its chest. It reminds me of the power of an old style Barolo. It should hold up to even strong game. For my taste, the 1982 has better balance and more complexity, but somewhat less power. This wine should last several more years. There have been a few reports of bottles that are much more advanced than the one I tasted. Of course, without knowing the storage history of the various bottles, it is difficult to know what to make of this.
- posted
18 years ago