2005 Hermitage La Chapelle, Jaboulet

"Now fully mature, the 2005 Hermitage La Chapelle is a leaner, more linear, medium-bodied example of this wine that has aged gracefully. It offers terrific aromatics of red and black currants, smoked meat, leather, soy sauce, and ground pepper, and on the palate, it has resolved tannins and some of the rusticity that was present in its youth has faded away. Today, it's silky and seamless, with a charming, elegant profile. It's not going to get any better, but it certainly has another decade of prime drinking, and a gradual decline after that. This is the first vintage where owner Caroline Frey was involved and was responsible for the blending of this wine.  Dirnk 2022-2032."  Jeb Dunnuck