Glass-staining ruby. Powerful scents of red and dark berry preserves, smoked meat, violet and minerals offer impressive clarity and expand in the glass. Velvety in texture, with deep, liqueur-like red berry flavors, gentle tannins and a strong undercurrent of lively minerals. The smoky note repeats strongly on the lush, seductively sweet finish. Extremely appealing even now, but this really deserves a chance to sleep for at least another decade. -- Josh Raynolds

From an underrated vintage in the Rhône, the 2006 Hermitage La Chapelle is a beautiful, supple, layered wine that checks in behind the all-time greats yet unquestionably matches or surpasses most of the later 1990 and early 2000 vintages. Revealing a translucent ruby hue as well as a classic La Chapelle nose of smoked darker fruits, roasted meats, ground pepper, soy, and some classic Hermitage leather and obvious minerality, it’s medium to full-bodied, round, wonderfully textured, and balanced. It's fully mature today, and certainly won't be getting any better, but it has another 10-15 years of longevity.

Tightly wound, with a core of braised fig, currant paste and coffee notes held in check by iron and tar. There's rather muscular grip for the vintage, and the long finish shows slightly taut tannins but is a bit shy on depth. Should unwind with cellaring. Best from 2010 through 2018. 2,250 cases made. — JM

The first vintage where the new team was firmly in place, the 2006 Hermitage la Chapelle offers that classic, smoky, meaty La Chapelle bouquet to go with loads of fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, impressive mid-palate density and sweet tannin. This was easily the best showing I’ve had from this bottle, which often shows a much more rustic, evolved character.- JD