Rhône: New Releases

The Hermitage La Chapelle from Jaboulet comes from a blend of the best plots on the Hermitage hillside, and takes its name from the chapel that perches on the hill above the town of Tain. 2019 is an elegant, poised, and persuasive iteration of what is rightly regarded as one of the finest wines in the Northern Rhône.

This is one of our favourite wines from Jaboulet. Whilst it might not have the pedigree of La Chapelle, in terms of pure pleasure, and great value to boot, this is one of the most exciting wines in the Jaboulet stable. Volumes are down in 2019 due to the June hail storm that hit Crozes Hermitage, so snap this up whilst you can.

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.

This equal split of Marsanne and Roussanne comes from the pebbly alluvial soils which sit on top of clay and limestone on the lower terraces of the appellation. The vines are fairly old now, between 40 and 60 years, and produce a brilliant concentration with plenty of flavour. It is salty and peachy, with a long, balanced finish.

Domaine de Roure was bought by the Jaboulet family in 1966. It is just north of Tain l’Hermitage, and the small valley here is also home to much wildlife. In fact, the Frey family established a biodiversity refuge, so fantastic is the ecological habitat. This white is made exclusively from Marsanne grapes grown on the white loess soils found here. The average vine age spans 60 to 100 years, and the 2019 shows plenty of the saline concentration you would expect, with some charming apricot and almond notes, and bright minerality underneath.

This classic Hermitage blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne comes from vinews grown on a particularly steep part of the hillside. It is spiced and full-bodied. Gentle vinification in concrete eggs and oak barrels (only a small proportion new) coax out the fruit.

This is produced on the eastern side of the famous hill, and is named after the small stone house with blue shutters that is nestled in amongst the vines. The 2019 is a rounded and luxurious expression of Hermitage with an opulent texture, with notes of kirsch, coffee, and spice.

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 comes from the vineyards of the Côte Blonde, and is built around a silky, sensuous black fruit character. Mineral, tight, and vibrant in character.