Paul Jaboulet Aîné
About Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Undoubtedly one of the greatest names in the Rhône Valley, Paul Jaboulet Aîné was founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet and is perhaps best known for its flagship La Chapelle, of which the 1961 vintage still holds the title as one of the greatest wines ever made. A series of mishaps in the 1990s threw the estate in disarray and it took the financial might of the Frey family to set the estate on a path to recovery.
Since 2006, the Frey family have accomplished an impressive feat at Paul Jaboulet Aine by taking this historic estate to its rightful place as the first growth of the Rhone. With their experience at Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux, the Frey family saw the potential in Jaboulet’s vineyards, including the important and iconic vineyard, Hermitage La Chapelle.
Caroline Frey has since taken over as owner and winemaker of Paul Jaboulet Aîné and within 10 years, enabled Paul Jaboulet Aîné to attain organic certification.
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Vinous (94)
Inky violet color. Deeply pitched cherry, blueberry, licorice and candied violet aromas are complemented by hints of baking spices, incense and smoky minerals. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering deeply concentrated black/blue fruit, spice and floral pastille flavors that become more energetic as the wine slowly stretches out. Weighty and broad yet lively as well, finishing with sharp delineation, mounting tannins and outstanding, floral- and mineral-driven persistence.Inc. GSTSG$531.24 -
Matthew Jukes (19++)
I fell for this wine in a microsecond – the very moment the first molecule of perfume exploded on my receptors. This is a step-change vintage for La Maison Bleue because I have not seen this degree of single-mindedness and overriding intention before in this wine. 2019 La Maison Bleue seems as if it has realised that it does not need to sit behind La Chapelle in Caroline Frey’s portfolio. It signals, loud and clear, that it ought to be seated alongside its more renowned stablemate and be accorded the opportunity to address the masses as an equal, not a subordinate. This is a bold move from this honed, sleek wine. In 2019, with just that little bit more power and ambition under its belt, it has broken free and it looks absolutely sensational. The fruit is regal and layered and the tannins are precision-cut and perfectly positioned making it every inch a superstar. By the end of day five of my tasting these amazing wines, La Maison Bleue seemed as if it were saying, let’s keep going! While this is a ‘finished barrel sample’, this wine wanted to be tested to its limits and I cannot fault its enthusiasm and excellence. You simply must track it down!Inc. GSTSG$508.35 -
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)
With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious.Inc. GSTSG$745.97 -
Inc. GSTSG$686.11
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Vinous (87+)
Pale gold color. Peach and citrus hints on the nose, with strong oak notes of smoke and vanilla. Chewy with extract but a bit youthfully aggressive; showing less obvious fruit and sweetness today than the Raymond Roure Crozes bottling, or is it simply a bit overwhelmed by its wood element? With aeration, this showed notes of licorice and Thai basil and the dried nut character of classic traditionally styled white Hermitage.Inc. GSTSG$911.68 -
Wine Spectator (92)
Has a mix of candied citrus peel, floral, lanolin and fig flavors, with a nicely firm finish. Long and tight, with the citrus and floral notes holding the fruit at bay for now. Needs time to unwind. Best from 2008 through 2013. 25 cases imported. -JMInc. GSTSG$1,068.64 -
Wine Advocate (93)
I reviewed the 2012 Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimberg last year, and it hasn’t budged an inch since that time. Possessing a Burgundian feel in its flinty minerality, white flowers, apple and brioche-scented bouquet, it’s medium to full-bodied, laser focused and has gained a subtle almond paste quality on the finish. Drink it over the coming decade or more.Inc. GSTSG$800.50 -
Matthew Jukes (19+)
There is extraordinary equilibrium in this sensational wine. It is so finely balanced it is baffling, and the depth and richness is offset with the most dramatic acid and strident minerality I have seen in a wine of this style. There are profound meadow-flower and stone fruit flavour here which enchant the senses but they are marshalled brilliantly by the citrus pith and green apple skin raspiness on the finish. This is the most exciting Chevalier I have ever tasted and it rivals the very best whites from this region and others besides.Inc. GSTSG$607.59
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Vinous (94)
Inky violet color. Deeply pitched cherry, blueberry, licorice and candied violet aromas are complemented by hints of baking spices, incense and smoky minerals. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering deeply concentrated black/blue fruit, spice and floral pastille flavors that become more energetic as the wine slowly stretches out. Weighty and broad yet lively as well, finishing with sharp delineation, mounting tannins and outstanding, floral- and mineral-driven persistence.In BondSG$426.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19++)
I fell for this wine in a microsecond – the very moment the first molecule of perfume exploded on my receptors. This is a step-change vintage for La Maison Bleue because I have not seen this degree of single-mindedness and overriding intention before in this wine. 2019 La Maison Bleue seems as if it has realised that it does not need to sit behind La Chapelle in Caroline Frey’s portfolio. It signals, loud and clear, that it ought to be seated alongside its more renowned stablemate and be accorded the opportunity to address the masses as an equal, not a subordinate. This is a bold move from this honed, sleek wine. In 2019, with just that little bit more power and ambition under its belt, it has broken free and it looks absolutely sensational. The fruit is regal and layered and the tannins are precision-cut and perfectly positioned making it every inch a superstar. By the end of day five of my tasting these amazing wines, La Maison Bleue seemed as if it were saying, let’s keep going! While this is a ‘finished barrel sample’, this wine wanted to be tested to its limits and I cannot fault its enthusiasm and excellence. You simply must track it down!In BondSG$405.00 -
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)
With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious.In BondSG$623.00 -
In BondSG$576.00
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Vinous (87+)
Pale gold color. Peach and citrus hints on the nose, with strong oak notes of smoke and vanilla. Chewy with extract but a bit youthfully aggressive; showing less obvious fruit and sweetness today than the Raymond Roure Crozes bottling, or is it simply a bit overwhelmed by its wood element? With aeration, this showed notes of licorice and Thai basil and the dried nut character of classic traditionally styled white Hermitage.In BondSG$777.00 -
Wine Spectator (92)
Has a mix of candied citrus peel, floral, lanolin and fig flavors, with a nicely firm finish. Long and tight, with the citrus and floral notes holding the fruit at bay for now. Needs time to unwind. Best from 2008 through 2013. 25 cases imported. -JMIn BondSG$921.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
I reviewed the 2012 Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimberg last year, and it hasn’t budged an inch since that time. Possessing a Burgundian feel in its flinty minerality, white flowers, apple and brioche-scented bouquet, it’s medium to full-bodied, laser focused and has gained a subtle almond paste quality on the finish. Drink it over the coming decade or more.In BondSG$675.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19+)
There is extraordinary equilibrium in this sensational wine. It is so finely balanced it is baffling, and the depth and richness is offset with the most dramatic acid and strident minerality I have seen in a wine of this style. There are profound meadow-flower and stone fruit flavour here which enchant the senses but they are marshalled brilliantly by the citrus pith and green apple skin raspiness on the finish. This is the most exciting Chevalier I have ever tasted and it rivals the very best whites from this region and others besides.In BondSG$500.00