2020 Paul Jaboulet-Aine Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimberg Blanc (750ml)

Marsanne from Hermitage, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Location, location, location – these highly rated selections from Paul Jaboulet-Aine are sourced from some of the Northern Rhone’s top vineyards, originally planted by its ambitious pioneering founder Antoine Jaboulet nearly two centuries ago. Named for his oldest son Paul (Aine translating as “elder” in French), Paul Jaboulet-Aine is renowned for putting Hermitage on the map, its masterful, single vineyard Syrah “La Chapelle” among these remarkable, highly rated 2020 releases from the Northern Rhone’s top appellations, some already drinking beautifully and all built for decades of enjoyment.

Passed down in the Jaboulet family from generation to generation, Paul Jaboulet-Aine began its modern transformation in 2006 when it was purchased by the Frey family, owners of Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux and part-owners of the Champagne house Billecart-Salmon. As the driving force behind the estate’s renaissance, winemaker Caroline Frey implemented improvements from the vineyard to the cellar including conversion to organic and biodynamic practices, limiting yields and introducing a new barrel program from Bordeaux, resulting in “one of the great qualitative turnarounds in the wine world” according to Robert Parker Jr. Sourced from 60 to 80-year-old vines planted in the oldest vineyard in the appellation, the impressive 93 pt. 2020 Crozes Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is “one classy Crozes” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck, an impeccably balanced single vineyard 100% Syrah with Hermitage-like truffle aromas and luscious ripe dark fruit, boasting 15 years of longevity and a superb value. Described as “full-bodied and rich, yet streamlined and focused” by the Wine Advocate’s Joe Czerwinski, the 95 pt. 2020 Paul Jaboulet-Aine Hermitage La Maison Bleue comes from 40 to 60-year-old Syrah vines planted on the steep granitic slopes of the les Murets lieu-dit, offering lush, energetic fruit with “a very long, mineral- and spice-accented finish” according to Vinous critic Josh Raynolds, already approachable and promising decades of evolution. From one of the greatest white wine appellations in the world, the elegant 94 pt. 2020 Paul Jaboulet-Aine Le Chevalier De Sterimberg Hermitage Blanc is a blend of 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne aged exclusively in concrete, yielding lively and aromatic fruit balancing mineral-tinged acidity and ready to enjoy over the next decade. Named after the iconic chapel at the top of Hermitage Hill, the flagship 97 pt. 2020 Paul Jaboulet-Aine Hermitage La Chapelle is a “Hermitage masterpiece” according to Jeb Dunnuck sourced primarily from the iconic sun-lit Le Meal slope, its opulent, deep tannins requiring patient cellaring before hitting full maturity and then continuing to age gracefully for decades.

Founded on a centuries’ old legacy of excellence, these 2020 Paul Jaboulet-Aine selections offer a rare opportunity to enjoy beautifully crafted, top rated Northern Rhone wines at an outstanding price, all exceptional values worthy of aging that are equally intriguing for long time collectors looking to stock the cellar and serious wine enthusiasts anxious to explore the region’s top appellations.

94JS

Jasmine, white peaches, apricots, bananas, crushed stones, almonds and lemon pith on the nose. Shells too. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a fresh, vibrant palate. Firm and mineral. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2023.

94 points, James Suckling (Nov 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 13.0%

#FRJBMA20AE

$79.98

1 bottle in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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