I’ve started doing side-by-side tastings with a few friends of mine who are starting their wine journey. I love side-by-sides because it’s way easier to pick up on differences in region and winemaking style, compared to trying to recall previous experiences from memory. Today, we compared two Syrahs: the 2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle and the 2016 Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah.
First up, ***2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle:***
**Appearance:** Displays a refined, less saturated ruby, with a lean, elegant intensity typical of Hermitage. **Nose:** Offers complex, classic aromas of smoked meats, dark berries, spices, and subtle floral hints. The bouquet is marked by an almost mineral‐driven precision and finesse, hallmark traits of a well‑made Northern Rhône Syrah. **Palate & Structure:** Silky, supple tannins and an overall balanced, harmonious structure define the wine. The finish is long, with integrated spice and dark fruit notes. **Group Consensus Score:** A solid 94 points for its graceful, refined character.
Up next, ***2016 Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah:***
**Appearance:** Exhibits a deeper, more extracted color that hints at its riper, bolder extraction **Nose:** While it shares the meaty and smoky character expected of Syrah, it also presents a notably intense, sometimes challenging aroma. Distinct notes include BBQ potato chips and, as my wife astutely identified, a wet cat food character. The latter dominated the aromatic profile initially. **Palate & Structure:** The palate is robust and densely textured, riper and more extracted than the Jaboulet and with a rustic edge. **Group Consensus Score:** Although the inherent charm and energy are evident, the initially off-putting aroma slightly holds it back, leading to a 90‑point rating for now.
For enthusiasts embarking on a wine journey, these wines provide an excellent study in regional character and winemaking philosophy — the finesse of Hermitage versus the rugged intensity of a Washington Syrah.
MUjase
Great comparison!
How about price point?
Canadian-Deer
Doing it blind would be even better!! Nice side by side, will probably open the chapelle soon, excited to taste it.
sir_trav
How long was the decant? Would love to hear how they’re doing day 2 if there’s any left.
OkInteraction8307
Have you had their En Chamberlin Syrah? I had a ’17 last week and was *supremely* disappointed.
5 Comments
I’ve started doing side-by-side tastings with a few friends of mine who are starting their wine journey. I love side-by-sides because it’s way easier to pick up on differences in region and winemaking style, compared to trying to recall previous experiences from memory. Today, we compared two Syrahs: the 2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle and the 2016 Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah.
First up, ***2014 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle:***
**Appearance:** Displays a refined, less saturated ruby, with a lean, elegant intensity typical of Hermitage.
**Nose:** Offers complex, classic aromas of smoked meats, dark berries, spices, and subtle floral hints. The bouquet is marked by an almost mineral‐driven precision and finesse, hallmark traits of a well‑made Northern Rhône Syrah.
**Palate & Structure:** Silky, supple tannins and an overall balanced, harmonious structure define the wine. The finish is long, with integrated spice and dark fruit notes.
**Group Consensus Score:** A solid 94 points for its graceful, refined character.
Up next, ***2016 Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah:***
**Appearance:** Exhibits a deeper, more extracted color that hints at its riper, bolder extraction
**Nose:** While it shares the meaty and smoky character expected of Syrah, it also presents a notably intense, sometimes challenging aroma. Distinct notes include BBQ potato chips and, as my wife astutely identified, a wet cat food character. The latter dominated the aromatic profile initially.
**Palate & Structure:** The palate is robust and densely textured, riper and more extracted than the Jaboulet and with a rustic edge.
**Group Consensus Score:** Although the inherent charm and energy are evident, the initially off-putting aroma slightly holds it back, leading to a 90‑point rating for now.
For enthusiasts embarking on a wine journey, these wines provide an excellent study in regional character and winemaking philosophy — the finesse of Hermitage versus the rugged intensity of a Washington Syrah.
Great comparison!
How about price point?
Doing it blind would be even better!! Nice side by side, will probably open the chapelle soon, excited to taste it.
How long was the decant? Would love to hear how they’re doing day 2 if there’s any left.
Have you had their En Chamberlin Syrah? I had a ’17 last week and was *supremely* disappointed.