Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Côte Rôtie Les Pierrelles 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

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

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

From the southern end of the appellation, the 2020 Côte Rôti Les Pierrelles (Domaine) presents notes of violet and pencil shavings on the nose, then easily evolves into notes of blueberry and blackberry, all supported by asphalt and mocha. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, it is a little tight and constrained on the palate at this stage, but it has a smooth and elegant finish that suggests it will be drinkable 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 Frey financial company. 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) are located in prime locations in Le Méal, Les Greffieux, Les Dionnières, Les Roucoules and a few Bessards in the far west 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. The selection is based on the finesse of the tannins and the depth. The middle and lower parts of the Méal hillside form the heart of the cuvée. After a year of aging, with 15 to 20% new barrels, the less dense batches are set aside and go into La Petite Chapelle (now called Maison Bleue), to be drunk within five to seven years.

Vinous

About wine:

Opaque ruby. The highly fragrant bouquet evokes fresh cherries and dark berries, sandalwood, olives, and smoked bacon, as well as a mineral note. Smooth, consistent, and penetrating on the palate, it offers concentrated flavors of boysenberry, cherry cola, and floral pastilles, with hints of licorice and vanilla. It plays on richness and finesse with a supple touch and finishes with impressive length and juiciness, with supple tannins on the finish. This 1.5-hectare vineyard, owned by Jaboulet, is located in the southern part of the Côte Blonde, in Tupin-et-Semons.

James Suckling

About wine:

A very refined nose of blue and black berries with a hint of bacon fat, spices, and candied orange. This tightly structured Côte-Rotie is built to last. Some may find it a little harsh when first released, 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