1997 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

Double decanted into clean bottle 3 hours prior to dinner. Initial nose had a bit of funk (that blew off after a while) and the palate was somewhat disjointed. Everything slowly came together after breathing in decanter for about an hour and a half. Lovely Burgundian showing, easily passing the Soldera test. 
Satisfyingly elegant nose of violets, smoke and spice. Nicely aged blackberry fruit accented by olive and game notes.  Lovely tertiary complexity that completes the picture, and reminds me of why the Northern Rhone produces some of the most beautiful wines in the world. Paired very nicely with filet mignon.