Northern Rhône 2020

Les Reynards is a steep granitic site in Cornas, celebrated for its superb wines. 2020 is the first vintage Jaboulet has bottled this separately in recognition of the balance and quality of the Reynard site.

This was first bottled separately in 2009, which continues to prove a popular decision. The vines lie in the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation just above Tournon and Mauves, on steep granitic slopes. Black-fruited and peppery, with a silky structure and full, energetic length.

This classic Hermitage blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne comes from vines grown on a particularly steep part of the hillside. It is spiced and full-bodied. Gentle vinification in concrete eggs coaxes out the fruit.

The granitic soils of the right bank of the river extend as far south as Cornas. And whilst the Syrah here is an integral part of the Northern Rhône’s identity, it has a hint of the south’s wilder, garrigue-scented style about it.

From granitic soils behind the hill of Hermitage, this is a powerful and intense yet perfectly balanced Crozes. There’s a mineral structure, with very fine tannins and quite a floral, herby character.

This is one of our favourite wines from Jaboulet, as it is for the Freys and it certainly was for the Jaboulets. It was the first vineyard the Jaboulet family bought in 1834, and although much of its 40 hectares has been replanted since the war, a high proportion of old vines remain here. Indeed, the vineyard manager thinks Thalabert may well be the largest planting of old Syrah vines in the world. Whilst it might not have the pedigree of La Chapelle, in terms of pure pleasure and great value, this is one of the most exciting wines in the Jaboulet stable. It has the sweet aroma of vanilla-sugared berries on the nose and a fragrant sappy freshness on the palate giving it a herbal depth and persistence. Juicy, savoury, and with the structure to age extremely well.