🏰 The 1988 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle hails from a generally excellent Rhône Valley vintage, characterized by a warm spring that led to early budburst and flowering. The summer was hot with some rain, producing thick, full-bodied reds. This vintage of La Chapelle is often described as full-bodied, firm, classic, and slightly rustic, with meaty, dark, earthy fruits, tobacco, earth, pepper, green olives, and herbs. It presents an intoxicating perfume of earth, jammy black fruits, spice, brown sugar, and black pepper, with a syrupy texture and rich, mouth-filling palate of cherry, blackberry, and plum flavors. Some bottles show a complex perfume of black cherry, licorice, bacon fat, and warm spices. 【One of the greatest red wines in the world, known for phenomenal longevity and complexity.】 🍴 This mature Hermitage is a superb match for classic meat dishes such as roasted lamb, beef, duck, or game. Its earthy and spicy notes also complement hearty stews, mushroom-based dishes, and aged hard cheeses. 🥂 The 1988 La Chapelle is at or near its peak drinkability, making it ideal for a very special occasion, a milestone celebration, or a gathering of serious wine collectors. Given its age, this wine requires careful handling. Stand the bottle upright for several days to allow any sediment to settle. Use an Ah-So opener or a Durand to gently remove the potentially fragile cork. Decant for 2-3 hours if young, but older vintages may only need minimal decanting, just enough to separate from sediment. Serve at a cool cellar temperature, around 15.5°C (60°F), to best appreciate its complex aromas and structure.