
Paul Jaboulet Aîné, La Chapelle Hermitage 2011
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"One needs no further evidence of the extraordinary turn around in the quality of the Jaboulet wines than what proprietress Caroline Frey has accomplished in 2009 as well as 2010. As I indicated last year, this is one of the great qualitative turn arounds in the wine world. It is welcomed by all wine lovers given the historic legacy of the wines of Jaboulet and the importance of this famous firm in all of France. Ms. Frey, who is also responsible for the brilliant wines produced at La Lagune in Bordeaux, has reduced the amount of new oak for the red wines to about 20% and to negligible proportions for the whites. A second wine of Hermitage, La Petite Chapelle, is fashioned from 33% or more of the production that is culled out to guarantee that the great reputation of the Hermitage La Chapelle has enjoyed over the last century is maintained." -Robert Parker/ The Wine Advocate
Since the early 19th century, the name Paul Jaboulet Aîné has been synonymous with quality in the Rhône. Today, there is a renewed sense of energy and purpose. In early 2006, the Frey family bought Jaboulet and implemented sweeping changes to return Jaboulet to the summit of quality Rhône producers.
Impressive holdings are among the largest in the Rhône, spanning nearly all great appellations: Condrieu, Cornas, Côte-Rôtie, St. Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. Recent purchases include Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Crozes Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie vineyards.
Winemaking stresses severe selection, dramatically lower yields, long and steady fermentations and aging in newer barrels. The wines are rich and dense, with remarkable balance and finesse: Rhône grapes in full song.
Most wines are enjoyable upon release, while wines like Hermitage “La Chapelle” and Côte Rôtie “Les Jumelles” reward patience.