Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Hermitage La Maison Bleue 2022

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:

Made from grapes grown on the eastern slope of the Hermitage hill, the 2022 Hermitage La Maison Bleue evokes aromas of loamy soil, blackberries, iris, and dark berries, which blend with floral notes as the wine opens up. Medium- to full-bodied, structured, and concentrated, it features a rich, dense core of fruit and velvety yet abundant tannins, with a charming, youthful, and long finish. More full-bodied and deeper than many Hermitage wines due to its clay soils without granite influence, this is an enveloping and surprising Hermitage.

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.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

The nose is full-bodied, spicy, and rich, with notes of game, blood, and iron. The palate is ripe and round with an opulent texture—firm, succulent tannins that are well-integrated. The fruit is dark, full-bodied, gamey, and spicy. The finish is full-bodied with moderate acidity and a dense, dark aftertaste. Well-balanced, but a bit imposing!

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

Despite its concentration and generous structure, this wine is an elegant and precise expression of Hermitage. It offers a wide 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 integrate, but they are wrapped in enough richness to be exciting even now. From vineyards located on the eastern slope of the Hermitage hill. Made from organically grown grapes. Best enjoyed from 2027.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Made entirely from grapes grown in the eastern part of the appellation, the 2022 Hermitage La Maison Bleue was fully destemmed and aged in barrels, 15–20% of which were new. Its deep ruby-plum color is followed by a beautiful nose of blackcurrant, smoky herbs, graphite, and spices. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a full-bodied, structured palate, excellent overall balance, and a lovely finish. I’m already enjoying it today, and I see no reason why it shouldn’t be enjoyed over the next 20 to 25 years.