2018 Domaine Chapel Chiroubles
Region: Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
Grape: Gamay
Culinary Suggestions: Snails with garlic, Chinese cuisine or roast duck
Vineyard Practice: Organic
About
Domaine Chapel is nestled right in the heart of Beaujolais, in the charming Régnié cru village. But let's rewind a bit to when destiny decided to play its part in this wine tale. It was a day like any other in the picturesque vineyards of Beaujolais, back in 2013. David, a guy knee-deep in the world of wine, was labouring away at Domaine Lapierre. Little did he know, his path was about to take a serendipitous turn.
Enter Michele, a wine connoisseur hailing from the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York. Her journey led her to these very same vineyards. And in a moment that could only be described as fate, David and Michele's worlds collided amidst the vines. It was a meeting that would change the course of their lives and set the stage for a remarkable wine adventure.
Fast forward to 2015, and something big was brewing. Fueled by an unwavering passion for winemaking and lured by the irresistible charm of Beaujolais, the Chapels made a bold decision. They packed up their New York lives and headed for the tranquil beauty of Beaujolais. It was here, amidst these serene landscapes, that they embarked on an epic journey to create what we now know as Domaine Chapel.
Starting from 2018, alongside producing Juliénas and Beaujolais Villages, Domaine Chapel expanded its horizons. They began crafting two distinct cuvées from their very own 3 hectares of vineyards nestled in the prestigious crus of Fleurie and the neighboring Chiroubles. Notably, the Chapel-Smith label is a recent addition to their portfolio. This range allows David and Michele to source exceptional, high-quality fruit from unique vineyard sites across Burgundy, showcasing their dedication to producing outstanding wines.
Tasting Notes
High-toned aromas of cherries, raspberries and spices introduce the 2018 Chiroubles , a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy wine with ripe acids and a rich core of fruit. It derives from steep parcels that have to be worked by hand.
92 points - William Kelley, Wine Advocate August 2019
Drink: 2018 - 2025
Glistening ruby. Vibrant red berry and cherry scents show very good clarity and pick up baking spice and floral nuances with air. Appealingly sweet and seamless in texture, offering sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Subtle tannins build slowly on a very long, lively finish that echoes the floral and red fruit notes.
91 points - Josh Reynolds, Vinous Media May 2021
Drink: 2022 - 2028
Very attractive, fresh, wild blue fruit and a wealth of bright, mouthwatering strawberries, too. The palate has a very plush and nicely concentrated feel with soft, rich and ripe fruit flesh on offer. Drink now.
91 points - jamessuckling.com February 2020