Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Domaine de Roure 2004

Characteristics and tasting advice for Domaine de Roure 2004, Paul Jaboulet-Aîné

Tasting

Appearance

Ruby red with garnet highlights, this wine reflects its evolution after more than twenty years of aging.

Nose

The nose reveals a light, elegant style, defined by traditional tea notes, accompanied by mineral nuances and subtle herbal touches typical of Northern Rhône Syrah.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its balanced structure and freshness. The palate reveals a medium-bodied texture, supported by bright acidity and delicate tannins that have mellowed over time.

Food and wine pairings

This Crozes-Hermitage is an ideal match for red meats, especially roast lamb with Herbes de Provence. It also pairs beautifully with braised duck with mushrooms, a game stew, or aged cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort.

Serving and cellaring

Domaine de Roure 2004 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. For optimal storage, it is recommended to keep the bottles in the dark, at a temperature of 12 to 15°C and with a humidity level above 70%.

An elegant Crozes-Hermitage from the Northern Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain l'Hermitage, the House of Paul Jaboulet-Aîné ranks among the most prestigious producers in the Northern Rhône Valley. Since 2006, the estate has been owned by the Frey family, led until 2025 by Caroline Frey, who drove a major transformation of the domaine toward biodynamics. Now run by Delphine Frey, the House farms around 125 hectares of vines across the finest Northern Rhône appellations, including Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas and Côte-Rôtie. The entire vineyard has been certified organic since 2016 and farmed biodynamically since 2021, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving terroirs and the environment.

The vineyard

Domaine de Roure, acquired in 1996 by Paul Jaboulet-Aîné, spans 1.4 hectares in the northern part of Tain l'Hermitage, within the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. The vines, planted in 1945, grow on sloping granite hillsides offering excellent sun exposure and optimal drainage. The soils are composed of light granites with large crystals weathered into saprolite. This distinctive terroir gives the wines remarkable mineral expression and concentration. The Domaine de Roure valley has been designated a biodiversity refuge by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux, illustrating the estate’s environmentally respectful approach.

The vintage

The 2004 vintage in the Rhône Valley is marked by a return to normal temperatures after the 2003 heatwave. Ripening conditions required rigorous yield management to achieve optimal maturity. The year produced fresh, well-balanced wines, although some cuvées showed high acidity and vegetal profiles. The finest wines of the vintage stand out for their freshness and balance.

Winemaking and aging

The Domaine de Roure 2004 grapes were harvested by hand and transported in small twelve-kilogram crates. After rigorous optical and manual sorting, the bunches were fully destemmed. Traditional vinification includes a three-week maceration with daily pump-overs, followed by malolactic fermentation. Aging took place for twelve to eighteen months in a combination of French oak barrels, demi-muids, truncated-cone tanks and concrete eggs, allowing the wine to develop complexity while preserving its fruity expression.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%)