Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Côte Rôtie Les Pierrelles 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Caroline Frey diligently manages this valley institution. The changes she has implemented have never been more successful, both in the vineyard and in the winery. The red wines are clean, refined, and fresh with fruity aromas, while the whites are crisp and sophisticated. At the top of the range is the legendary Hermitage La-Chapelle, a masterful blend of Méal and Bessards, two of the hill’s most famous slopes.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Hailing from the southern tip of the appellation, the 2020 Côte Rôti Les Pierrelles (Domaine) opens with notes of violet and pencil shavings on the nose, then evolves smoothly into hints of blueberry and blackberry, all underpinned by notes of asphalt and mocha. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, it is a bit tight and restrained on the palate at this stage, but it has a soft, elegant finish that suggests it will be ready to drink relatively early.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Founded in 1834, Paul Jaboulet Aîné remained a family-owned business until 2006, when it was acquired by the financial firm Frey. In addition to its wine trading business, which has significantly reduced its volumes, “PJA” owns the second-largest vineyard estate in Hermitage. Its 25 hectares (21 of red, four of white) occupy prime locations in Le Méal, Les Greffieux, Les Dionnières, Les Roucoules, and a few plots in Bessards at the far western edge of the hillside. Until the early 1990s, this institution produced some of the world’s most legendary Syrahs, including La Chapelle, a blend of aged Syrahs. Depending on the vintage, between 30,000 and 80,000 bottles of La Chapelle red are produced. Selection is based on the finesse of the tannins and depth. The middle and lower sections of the Méal hillside form the heart of the cuvée. After one year of aging, with 15 to 20% new oak, the less dense lots are set aside and become part of La Petite Chapelle (now called Maison Bleue), to be enjoyed within five to seven years.

Vinous

About the wine:

Opaque ruby. The highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh cherries and dark berries, sandalwood, olives, and smoked bacon, along with a mineral note. Smooth, well-integrated, and penetrating on the palate, it offers concentrated flavors of Boysenberry, cherry-cola, and floral notes, with hints of licorice and vanilla. It balances richness and finesse with a supple touch and finishes with impressive, juicy length, featuring soft tannins on the finish. This 1.5-hectare vineyard, owned by Jaboulet, is located in the southern sector of the Côte Blonde, in Tupin-et-Semons.

James Suckling

About the wine:

A very refined nose of blue and black berries with hints of bacon fat, spices, and candied orange. This tightly structured Côte-Rôtie is built to last. Some may find it a bit challenging upon release, but we love the generous, fine-grained tannins that develop impressively in the imposing, firm finish. Limited production. Made from biodynamically grown grapes.

Jeb Dunnuck