Domaine de la Chapelle Hermitage 1985

Domaine de la Chapelle Hermitage 1985 is a mature and legendary Northern Rhône Syrah, offering remarkable depth with aromas of blackcurrant, dried blackberry, leather, cedar, smoked meat, truffle, and spice. The palate is silky, complex, and beautifully balanced with an exceptionally long finish.

Food Pairing: Pair with roast lamb, venison, beef tenderloin, wild mushrooms, aged hard cheeses, or slow-braised game dishes.

96 Points - James Suckling

Hints of amber to the brick-red center color. It shows lots of saffron, mushroom, forest floor, pastrami and other dried meats. Full-bodied with incredible silky tannins and a depth of character and intensity. Red pepper and paprika. A stunning wine. So much decadence and complexity.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

One of the more finesse-driven wines in the vertical, the 1985 Hermitage La Chapelle offered beautiful, complex notes of coffee beans, dried meats, potpourri and mint to go with a full-bodied, elegant and seamless feel on the palate. Following on the heels of the monster-sized '89, it still stood out for its purity, fine tannin and length on the finish. It's a beautiful wine drinking at its peak.

91 Points - Wine Spectator

A pleasant, expressive Hermitage, showing a ripe character, with lovely plum, blackberry, lead pencil and leather notes. The tannins are well integrated but still firm. Long finish.--The Vertical Chapel. Drink now through 2007.