Both these wines have perfect scores but I now buy them only from Europe and check provenance to make sure they are well documented. I have heard that one particular shipment of Rhone wines at the time arrived and were cooked over a holiday weekend, but never had this confirmed. But I do know I have had mediocre experiences with both these wines and also glorious ones.
This came up when I opened an imported Chapelle, and it was everything that I could have asked for. Complex, powerful, with a massive finish, in a perfect place. Wondrous wine, and hard not score 100 points.
Glad to read at least ONE note on 1990 La Chapelle that states it might possibly be ready to drink, finally…I have one lone bottle, and my '90 Chave Hermitage was nice but not up to expectations…
Regarding the '90 La Chapelle, the last two bottles I’ve had were off. Will have to seek out an imported bottle, as it’s been almost a decade since I had one that was representative.
Hopefully someone in your circle opens one for you at some point, as it is a monumental wine when it is on. Even with prices where they are today, I think it is worth the tariff.
My LCh and Chave 90 are very fine (Germany, bought in 1992/93). However beware of faked bottles, especially LCh 90. It s not that difficult to exchange a label - and you will only know when you pull the cork.
Recently had the '90 La Chapelle, one of several I bought on release. It was wonderful but has many many years to go – I imagine greater complexity will result, but it was wonderful on this occasion.
Had the '90 Chave a year ago from magnum, also purchased on release, and it also was terrific, though different from the La Chapelle. Without the two side by side I’m not sure which I prefer. I feel lucky to have tried both, and will get to try at least one more time. No rush on either wine, decades of life ahead.
I posted on '90 ‘Chapelle’ in October 2020, my first foray after COVID hit. Here’s my note:
1990 Jaboulet-Aine Hermitage ‘La Chapelle’ -
This is great wine. Well duh.
The color is a very dark ruby, but not opaque. The aromas soar, black cherry, Asian spice, green herbs, intoxicating! The palate is aggressive but polite. I know that’s oxymoron territory, but it is truly brash on the entry, very invigorating, then immediately morphs into an intense subtle savory experience that coats the mouth but leaves it dry and refreshed. The flavors now have black raspberry to go with the cherry, a touch of black pepper, great intricacy, a panoply of flavors that develop through the extremely long finish. Rated 98, this does not have the ultimate intensity and persistence of a perfect wine, but it’s very close. With good provenance, well-cellared, drink now - 2050.
There was a different importer on the East Coast in those days (Premier??), and the lots were different. Kermit had his choice of barrels. I was lucky enough to included in a blind tasting in the early 90s with pairs of bottles from the two importers from three vintages, and Kermit’s bottles were a little better in each case.
I think Chave’s importer in the East changed again in 1994. Garnet was selling the '91 for $30. As I recall, it was because the former importer was dumping stock. I still have a few bottles, but not at hand. I’ll try to remember to check the importer sticker.