Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Les Jalets 2023

Tasting notes and serving advice for Les Jalets 2023 from Paul Jaboulet-Aîné

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a pale straw hue highlighted by green reflections.

Nose

The bouquet is fresh and elegant, revealing aromas of white-fleshed fruit such as crisp pear, complemented by mineral notes reminiscent of flint. Delicate nuances of yellow stone fruit mingle with toasty touches, while floral scents add an extra dimension to the overall profile.

Palate

The attack is generous yet streamlined, carried by fine freshness. White-fleshed fruit flavors linger with elegance, while the minerality expresses itself fully. The finish reveals complex notes of candied lemon and marmalade, joined by citrus zest that brings vibrancy and length to the tasting.

Food and wine pairings

This Crozes-Hermitage white pairs ideally with a young rabbit terrine with baby vegetables, pike-perch fillet with braised cabbage, or a Picodon de l'Ardèche. It also matches beautifully with delicate fish and poultry in a light sauce.

Serving and aging

Les Jalets 2023 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 12°C. It can be enjoyed now, but will continue to develop through around 2028.

An elegant, mineral Crozes-Hermitage white from the Rhône Valley

The estate

Established in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain-l'Hermitage, the Paul Jaboulet-Aîné House now farms 125 hectares in the Rhône Valley, including 25 hectares on the Hill of Hermitage, making it the second-largest owner in this prestigious appellation. Since its acquisition by the Frey family in 2006, the estate has been run by oenologist Caroline Frey. Committed to organic winegrowing and certified since 2016, the property is continuing its transition toward biodynamics. Its flagship wine, Hermitage La Chapelle vintage 1961, is considered among the greatest wines of the 20th century.

The vineyard

Averaging 25 years of age, the vines dedicated to this Les Jalets cuvée are planted on the lower terraces of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, made up of glacier-derived rounded pebbles.

The vintage

Autumn 2022 was marked by abundant rainfall, replenishing the soils’ water reserves. A dry winter was followed by early budbreak on April 3. Flowering took place in early June, while rainfall that same month prevented any water stress. Despite episodes of summer hail affecting the region, the vines showed great resilience.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Les Jalets 2023 are harvested by hand into small crates. After whole-cluster pressing, the musts are settled for 48 hours. Fermentation takes place partially in French oak barrels, in concrete eggs, and in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Aging for this Rhône Valley wine continues for 8 months, split equally between barrels on the one hand, and concrete eggs and stainless-steel tanks on the other.

Grape varieties

Marsanne (70%), Roussanne (30%).