CROZES HERMITAGE, Les Jalets, Paul Jaboulet Aîné

• Vintage: 2018
• Origin: Crozes Hermitage, France

• Taste guide: The nose opens with notes of undergrowth, candied red fruits and ends with spicy notes.On the palate, we find the elegance of Syrah with a nice structure and fine tannins.
• 100% Syrah (Shiraz)
• 75cl - 14% - Traditional Cork opening
• VIVINO 3.9 Score

The Crozes Hermitage appellation is on the left bank of the Rhône.

On these pebbly terraces, the Syrah grape expresses itel fully, producing a wine with a spicy black fruit character balanced by elegant, silky tannins. Best enjoyed within 5 years so don’t sit on this one!

Founded in 1834 on the hill of l'Hermitage, in Tain l'Hermitage, Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné embodies the quintessence of the great wines of the northern Rhône Valley.

Having joined the Frey family in 2006, the historic Maison is now in the hands of the talented and passionate oenologist and winegrower, Caroline Frey.

The name “JALETS” come from the French word “galets”, which is the Old French word for the pebbles left by alpine glaciers, which can also be found in Chateauneuf du Pape too.

LES JALETS 2018 is 100% Syrah aged for 50% in French oak vats, 25% in French oak barrels and 25% in stainless steel for 12 months. It is a friendlier, fruit forward version of the Crozes Hermitage appellation, vs. the way more serious brothers Domaine de Thalabert and Domaine de Roure - More meant towards a faster consumption (to be drunk in the first 5 years of life), the wine is “gourmand”, generous, fruit forward, but still soft with a nice freshness to it.

92 Points James Suckling Lots of iron and mineral character to the plums and dark fruit here. Medium to full body and a juicy finish. Chewy at the end, too. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

ONLY 30 bottles sourced; £18.99 to clear (April 2025)