23 April, 2026In News

Syrah from the Producers of Hermitage La Chappelle

Mention the Rhône Valley to anyone around the world and a small chapel perched upon a vine clad hill is likely to be one of the first images that springs to mind. Not only is the image romantic, this hill is known to produce some of the best Syrah in the world.

Winemakers around the globe aspire to make Syrahs of this complexity and intensity, such is the reverence in which it is held and La Chapelle in Hermitage is one of the finest and most iconic vineyards in the world. It belongs to Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

But you don’t have to be a high-roller to sample this icon estate’s Syrah… using the same savoir-faire and knowledge they impart on their famous ‘La Chapelle’, they also scour the regions around them to identify key Syrah plots and make a sumptuous entry-level Syrah so that nobody has to miss out on the fruits of this Rhône superstar.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Vin de France Syrah 2024

• From Syrah grapes grown in the south of France, bringing together parcels from the Rhône Valley
• Traditional winemaking with a maceration period of about three weeks. Aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months
• Pairing Suggestion: Perfect with grilled meats, roasted poultry, or Mediterranean dishes.

This Syrah is the perfect illustration of balance: southern in character, yet fresh; dense, yet still wonderfully fruity.

Phil Parker(Previous vintage)
“The classic red grape of the Rhône. Ripe and soft syrah with hints of white pepper, anise, black cherry, mocha and a hint of dry sherry.”

Joelle Thomson(Previous vintage)
“A stunning red that over-delivers on taste and value for money. Dark, juicy, and deliciously full-bodied, it has a smooth mouthfeel, velvety richness, and impressive flavours of ripe plums and black pepper.”

The post Syrah from the Producers of Hermitage La Chappelle appeared first on Dhall & Nash Fine Wines.

John is based in Cambridge and covers the regions of Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki. He has 30+ years experience in the liquor industry, including FMCG, which he brings to Dhall & Nash. John is an avid fan of Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

We sat down with John to ask him the burning question…

“What is your current favourite wine and why?”

2016 Philip Shaw ‘The Idiot’ Shiraz

“Idiotic by name, but not by nature… A great Australian Shiraz – but not as you know it, because of the unique, even peculiar, conditions in Orange, here is a magnificent Aussie red wine that is not an overblown “fruit bomb”.

This is a lovely, fresh Shiraz from Philip Shaw’s high altitude Koomooloo Vineyard on the slopes of extinct volcano Mount Canobolas. This makes it one of the highest vineyards in Australia! The vineyard offers cool, ripening conditions and high levels of ultra-violet light which greatly enhances the colour and development of the berries, and coupled with a long, cool ripening season and low rainfall, represents amazing flavours.

Think of it as a much classier wine, refined, elegant and you will be more in tune with this savoury well crafted red. I would be confident in classing it as good as anything you would find in the Northern Rhone, France.”

2016 Philip Shaw ‘The Idiot’ Shiraz – Orange, Australia
Bright, full fruit flavours in a medium-bodied package; classic cool area Shiraz – some spice integrated with red fruits; lovely soft tannins and finish.

The post Staff Wine Focus with John Filmer appeared first on Dhall & Nash Fine Wines.