Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Reynard 2023

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

Tasting

Appearance
The wine unveils a beautiful deep red hue with violet reflections.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals notes of fully ripe black fruits, violet and spices, subtly complemented by a mineral thread evocative of 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 great freshness, stretching into 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 hearty 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

With its solid tannic structure, this 2023 vintage is built for long cellaring, allowing its aromas to grow more complex 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 numerous hectares, this historic estate has experienced a true 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-southeast, benefits from optimal sunshine while being sheltered from the winds. The soils are mainly composed of a highly weathered granitic bedrock. Due to the steep gradient, this vineyard requires rigorous manual work, a true form of heroic viticulture that ensures the utmost care is given to the vines.

The vintage

The 2023 year was marked by significant climatic contrasts. After a dry start to the season, welcome rains in mid-May helped avoid water stress before flowering. The summer was characterised by intense heat and storms, which the vines were able to make the most of thanks to the fine vitality of the foliage. The harvest required meticulous selection to pick the berries at their optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes intended for this Cornas "Reynard" 2023 are harvested by hand into 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. Aging then takes place over a period of 12 to 18 months, split between French oak barrels and demi-muids, allowing the tannic structure to be refined.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).