Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes 2013

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Lots of finesse and complexity, in a spicy style that hides nothing of the granitic origin of the vines, and better grape maturity than the estate's cornas.

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:

Another outstanding wine from this estate that shines with purity and elegance is the 2013 St Joseph Domaine de Croix de Vignes, which comes from 1.5 hectares of vines just outside Tournon and Mauves. Aged in 20% new French oak, it displays classic notes of black fruit, olive, licorice, smoky earth and a clear minerality. Medium-bodied, elegant and homogeneous, with fine tannins, it is already approachable in its youth, but has a bright future ahead of it.

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.

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

Brilliant violet. Vibrant, mineral aromas of black and blue fruit jam, Indian spices and olive, with a hint of licorice. Concentrated flavors of blackberry and candied cherry, candied violet and peppery spice are of great clarity, breadth and power. The floral quality enlivens the finish, which hangs on with excellent tenacity and just a hint of fine tannins.

James Suckling

Jeb Dunnuck