Paul Jaboulet Ainé La Maison Bleue Hermitage Rouge 2016 (ECO) 75 cl.

“La Maison Bleue” (formerly “La Petite Chapelle”) was first produced in 2015. The name change was made to place greater focus on Jaboulet’s flagship wine from Hermitage, “La Chapelle”. The wine is made entirely from Syrah sourced from some of Hermitage’s finest biodynamically cultivated parcels, including top vineyard sites such as Les Bessards, Les Greffieux, Le Méal, and Les Rocoules. The vines are 40–60 years old, and yields are limited to 15–20 hl/ha. Quite simply, there is no better origin in Hermitage, and the wine is crafted with the same care and craftsmanship as before. However, slightly shorter barrel ageing (15–18 months) and a smaller proportion of new oak (20%) give the wine a gentler style and faster development, while still offering great aromatic and flavour concentration.

The wine has a beautiful, bright deep red colour. The nose is slightly restrained at first, but develops quickly with aeration. Aromas of ripe dark berries such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry emerge, along with smoky and spicy nuances. On the palate, the wine is highly concentrated and aromatic, once again showing notes of ripe fruit. The finish reveals fine tannins and lingers beautifully. A great match for duck, sweetbreads, beef, and game dishes.