Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage "La Maison Bleue" 2016
- v94-96
- jd94-96
- js94-95
Along the Petite Pierrelle street, not far from the stream of Torras and the road where the blackbirds sing, lies the pretty Maison Bleue. Leaning against the Hermitage Hill, one of the most beautiful vineyards in the world, this small stone house with blue shutters was once a real haven of peace for their winegrowers: a place to work, rest and share located in the heart of a legendary terroir. Today, this house of winegrowers has regained a new youth. Winegrowers and horses take shelter from time to time. The Maison Bleue still serves as a shelter for their grapes to dry the straw wine when they produce it. This year, they will use its space to dry their plants for biodynamic preparations. A new life in the respect of traditions.
Vinous
- v94-96
(20% new oak) Saturated bright-rimmed ruby. Seductive, mineral-tinged aromas of red and blue preserves, cola, violet pastille and olive paste, along with a spicy topnote. Black raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors display excellent energy and depth, a subtle spicecake accent and zesty back-end cut. Deftly plays richness off vivacity and shows no excess fat. Finishes with persistent cherry and floral notes, supple tannins and strong, spicy persistence.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd94-96
Replacing the Petit Chapelle cuvée and first made in 2015, the 2016 Hermitage La Maison Bleue is smoking good. Black fruits, charcoal, powdered rock, currants and chocolate notes all give way to a big, concentrated, impressively structured barrel sample that has tons of potential. I expect the tannin will have integrated by the time this is released, but a few years of bottle age are still recommended.
James Suckling
- js94-95
This is a juicy and flavorful young wine with dusty and polished tannins. Lots of wild fruit and dark-berry and volcanic/salt undertones. Flavorful finish.