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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. |
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At first this feels like you’re standing in front of a set of locked gates. Huge power and structure without that much weight, thanks to the wonderful freshness that’s intertwined with the tarry depths of this Hermitage masterpiece. As it aerates smoked bacon, menthol and licorice notes develop, but I’d need much more space to give you all the aromas! The huge tannins at the finish are finely chiseled, suggesting this has decades of life ahead of it. From 40 to 100-year-old syrah vines. From biodynamically grown grapes.
96-97 points, James Suckling (Apr 2022)
A barrel sample that was shipped to my office in Colorado, the 2020 Hermitage La Chapelle reveals a deep purple, almost blue-tinged hue to go with a terrific nose of blue fruits, scorched earth, violets, and charcoal. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated barrel sample that stays fresh and lively, with solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly showing better today than from the domaine, and this is one that, if the trajectory continues, is certainly going to be an impressive Hermitage.
94-96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jun 2022)
After the past several vintages, the 2020 Hermitage La Chapelle will need to add significant richness and concentration if it is to compete at that level. That said, it is still an excellent wine, with classic aromas of crushed stone, cassis, espresso and black olives. It's full-bodied, fine and silky, giving an impression of great elegance on the lingering finish.
93-95 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)
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