A very special yearly allocation has arrived through our doors this week; Domaine Paul Jaboulet! A true shining beacon of the Rhône Valley, and indeed the whole world of wine, this iconic estate has proven itself time and again since its first plantings in 1864, and remain an inspiration to many in and around the art of winemaking, particularly where Syrah is concerned! These are wines of complexity and intensity, length and lace, fine balance and yet an inimitable tenacity that has become the house's signature (and that ages all too beautifully with a few years in the cellar). Quantities are limited, so be sure to get in quick!
- Praise from Jaboulet for the 2020 Vintage -
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The 2020 vintage is marked by its precocity. The winter is particularly mild which leads to an advance of vegetation. The spring of 2020 also ranks as one of the warmest in France with, however, fairly regular rainfall. The flowering takes place quickly in very good conditions. At the beginning of July, the strong heat and the absence of rain make us fear the appearance of important water stress. By arriving very quickly, the veraison allows to prevent this degradation since at this stage the needs in water of the vine de- crease. The harvest started early (end of Au- gust) and lasted several weeks thanks to the good weather conditions. The grapes are very healthy, beautiful, the quality is there!
2020 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert Syrah - $75 on special ; $85 RRP
// 100% Syrah; age of vines 40-60 years.
"This estate of around 40 ha is located on lower pebbly terraces that are glacial in origin. These small, round pebbles store heat during the day and release it at night, providing optimum and regular maturity. Hand-picked, sorting on the plot, in small crates. The vatting period lasts around 4 weeks with gentle extractions. Aged in French oak barrels (15% new)." - Winemaker Notes
"Yet another beautiful 2020, Thalabert is deep, dark and brooding in this vin- tage, and it has an almost Italianate liquorice and black-fruited theme un- derpinning its Syrah characters. This makes it an indulgent treat, and the palate is more velvety and forward than any young Thalabert I have tasted. In addition, it has the stuffing to age well, too. What more could you ask for? Drink now to 2033." - 18+ out of 20 Points, Matthew Jukes
2020 Le Chevalier de Sterimberg Hermitage Blanc - $152 on special ; $175 RRP
// 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne; 35 year-old vines
"Our Roussanne and Marsanne grapes are grown in clay-chalk and sandy, pebble soils on steep slopes, producing complex and elegant white Hermitage wines." - Winemaker Notes
"Sterimberg is brutally lean and power-packed in 2020, and this shape and style of Hermitage Blanc harks back to the very first time I tasted this label in the Eighties. Lean, powerful, sinewy and immensely age-worthy, this is a thrilling wine, and there is uncommon grace found here, too." - 18.5+ out of 20 Points, Matthew Jukes
2020 Hermitage La Maison Bleue Syrah - $158 on special ; $180 RRP
// 100% Syrah - 40 to 60 years
"Produced on the most easterly vineyards of the hill, where soils are deeper. Soils linked to the river terraces of the Rhône composed of limestone on colluvium. Hand-picked, sorting on the plot, in small crates. The vatting period lasts around 4 weeks with gentle extractions. Aged in French oak barrels (15% new)." - Winemaker Notes
"With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgun- dian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memo- rable. 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." - 18.5+ out of 20 Points, Matthew Jukes
2020 Hermitage La Chapelle Syrah - $480 on special ; $550 RRP
// Very old Syrah vines; 40 to 100 years.
"La Chapelle comes from the blending of the greatest Western terroirs of the Hermitage. The Roucoules terroir, as well as the gene- rous side of the Méal and Les Greffieux, are complemented by the Bessards deepness and Varogne freshness. Hand-picked, sorting on the plot, in small crates. The vatting period lasts around 4 weeks with gentle extractions. Aged in concrete eggs (18%) and French oak barrels (15% new)." - Winemaker Notes
"While there are faint roasted coffee bean notes here, which hint at the warm summer, and exotic rose and musk characters that only ever emerge in concen- trated vintages, this is a masterclass in restraint and self-awareness. While this 2020 perhaps lacks the overall gravitas and high-rise tannins of the majestic 2019 vintage, this is a very seductive La Chapelle and one that will appeal to lovers of textural, velvety Syrahs. I am certain that everyone who drinks this wine will fall for its charms." - 19+ out of 20 Points, Matthew Jukes
If you wish to purchase these wines, please use the links above. Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions //
Prices valid until stock runs out or until Wednesday the 8th of February