Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Hermitage La Maison Bleue 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Caroline Frey diligently manages this valley institution. The changes she has undertaken have never been more fruitful, both in the vineyard and in the winery. The red wines are refined, refined and fresh in their fruit flavors, while the whites are fresh and sophisticated. At the top of the range, the mythical Hermitage La Chapelle, a skilful blend of Méal and Bessard, two of the hill's most famous slopes.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

From vines planted on the eastern slopes of the Hermitage hillside, Hermitage La Maison Bleue 2022 evokes aromas of loamy soil, blackberries, iris and dark berries, which mingle with floral notes on aeration. Medium to full-bodied, structured and concentrated, it has a fleshy, dense core of fruit and velvety yet abundant tannins, with a charming, youthful, long finish. Fleshier and deeper than many Hermitage wines due to its clay soils without granitic influence, this is an enveloping and stunning Hermitage.

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

About the domain :

Founded in 1834, Paul Jaboulet Aîné remained a family business until 2006, when it was bought out by the Frey finance company. Alongside its trading activity, which has significantly reduced volumes, "PJA" owns the second largest vineyard estate in Hermitage. Its 25 ha (21 reds, four whites) have pride of place in Le Méal, Les Greffieux, Les Dionnières, Les Roucoules and a few Bessards at the far western end 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 and 80,000 bottles of La Chapelle red are produced. Selection is based on tannin finesse and depth. The middle and lower slopes of the Méal constitute the heart of the cuvée. After a year's ageing, with 15-20% new barrels, the less dense lots are discarded and enter La Petite Chapelle (now called Maison Bleue), to be drunk within five to seven years.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

The nose is fleshy, spicy, rich with gamey, sanguine and ferruginous notes. Ripe and round on the palate with an opulent texture - firm, succulent, well-integrated tannins. The fruit is dark, fleshy, gamey and spicy. Full-bodied, with moderate acidity and a dense, dark finish. Well-balanced, but a little imposing!

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

Despite its concentration and generous structure, this wine is an elegant, precise expression of Hermitage. It offers a broad spectrum of black and red berries, with complex notes of toasted rosemary and smoke. The fine, generous tannins develop impressively on the finish and need a little time to fully harmonize, but they're wrapped in enough richness to already be exciting. From vineyards on the eastern slopes of the Hermitage hill. Made from organically grown grapes. To be enjoyed from 2027.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Produced entirely from the eastern part of the appellation, Hermitage La Maison Bleue 2022 has been entirely de-stemmed and aged in 15-20% new oak. Its deep ruby/plum color is followed by a beautiful nose of cassis, smoky herbs, graphite and spices. It's medium to full-bodied, with a full, structured palate, good overall balance and a lovely finish. I'm already enjoying it today and see no reason why it can't be enjoyed over the next 20 to 25 years.