Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Reynard 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of Cornas "Reynard" 2023 by Paul Jaboulet-Aîné

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a beautiful deep red colour with violet reflections.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet unveils notes of ripe black fruits, violet and spices, subtly complemented by a mineral thread evoking graphite and crushed stone.

Palate
Ample and concentrated, the palate offers a fleshy texture supported by fine tannins. It reveals a lovely balance between the richness of the fruit and remarkable freshness, extending towards a long mineral finish that expresses all the typicity of its granitic terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with grilled or braised red meats, a beef stew, or a generous cassoulet. It will also enhance dishes with umami flavours such as braised Iberian pork cheeks, as well as creamy aged cheeses enjoyed in moderation.

Serving and cellaring

Endowed with a solid tannic structure, this 2023 vintage is built for long cellaring, allowing its aromas to gain complexity over the years.

A Cornas wine combining power and mineral freshness

The estate

Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet, the Paul Jaboulet-Aîné House is an iconic institution of the Rhône Valley. Spanning many hectares, this historic estate has enjoyed a genuine renaissance since its acquisition by the Frey family in 2006. Under the leadership of Caroline Frey, the vineyard has been fully converted to biodynamics. The estate stands out for its deep commitment to preserving terroirs and crafting cuvées that reflect the purity of their environment.

The vineyard

The "Reynard" cuvée comes from a confidential plot located in the Cornas appellation. Planted in the middle of the last century, these old vines thrive on steep slopes laid out in terraces and supported by dry-stone walls. This exceptional terroir, facing south-south-east, benefits from optimal sunshine while being sheltered from the winds. The soils are composed mainly of a highly decomposed granitic bedrock. Due to the steep gradient, this vineyard requires rigorous manual work, a true heroic viticulture that ensures the utmost care is given to the vines.

The vintage

The 2023 vintage stands out for its significant climatic contrasts. After a dry start to the season, life-saving rains in mid-May helped avoid water stress before flowering. The summer was marked by intense heat and storms, which the vines were able to turn to their advantage thanks to the lovely vitality of the foliage. The harvest required meticulous selection to pick the berries at their optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes destined for this Cornas "Reynard" 2023 are harvested by hand in small crates before undergoing a rigorous double sorting. The harvest is entirely destemmed. Fermentation is accompanied by a three-week maceration with daily pump-overs. Ageing then takes place over a period of 12 to 18 months, split between French oak barrels and demi-muids, refining the tannic structure.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).