Ermitage Rouge 2011
Domaine Philippe & Vincent Jaboulet
Terroir: Over centuries, this mythical cru has built its reputation on a single hill, and an epic history. Sheltered from northerly winds, most of the hillsides are south-facing and receive good exposure to the sun while enjoying a Mediterranean climate. The harmony between the soils and the sun exposure allows the syrah varietal to express its strength perfectly. This balance is also reflected in the tannins that oscillate between strength and finesse. The wines from the Hermitage hill can be spelled with or without the “H”. Philippe and Vincent made the choice to not use the “H” because “Ermitage” is the original spelling of the appellation. The Hermitage hill is home to numerous parcels, planted on steep slopes and often on terraces. This wine is sourced from 40-year-old vines in the “Les Dionnières” lieu-dit (about 1ha). It is made entirely from estate-grown grapes, like all the wines produced by the estate. Softness and roundness will evolve with age.
Vinification: Philippe and Vincent practice a sustainable farming, respecting the nature as much as possible. They received the HEV certification (sustainable certification) which guarantees high level of environmental performance. This certification was created as a contribution to the implementation of the agro-ecological project launched by the French Minister in December 2012. To improve complexity, they lower the yields to 35-40hl/ha, by practicing green harvest and planting vines closer to each other forcing the vines to compete against each other which naturally regulate the yields. The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed and chilled for 24 to 48 hours in order to preserve the aromas of the fruit and spread out the work in the winery. The fermentation occurs in wooden vats to allow complex and smooth tannins through micro-oxygenation. Maceration lasts three to four weeks, which is long. Both Pump-overs and punch-downs are performed twice a day. The goal is to extract color, aromas and tannins to express the terroir. It also requires longer ageing. This wine was aged for 24 months in 228-liter oak barrel (50% new oak).
Additional Information
Notes of tobacco, leather, pepper and spices. A lot of tannins in the mouth. The power is balanced with finesse and elegance. This is a wine to keep for decades as softness and roundness evolve.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Hermitage
- Winemaker: Vincent Jaboulet
- Sustainability: Organic Practices, High Environmental Value Certification
- Soil: Limestone, Alluvial
- Vineyard Acreage: 1 ha
- Avg Vine Age: 40+ years
- Yield: 35-40hl/ha
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Sizes Available: 750ml
- Pack Size: 6/750ml
- Varietals: 100% Syrah
Recent Press
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Score: 93 Points
Wine & Spirits Author: Tara Q. Thomas
Date: Thursday, February 1, 2018"The Jaboulet's farm 2.5 acres of 40-year-old vines near the base of the Hermitage hill at Les Dionnieres, providing the fruit for this wine. Macerated in wooden vats for nearly a month, with twice-daily pumpovers and punch-downs, then aged in Burgundy barrels (half new) for two years, it's an imposing red with a deep, gamey flavor. It takes on a redder cast with air, notes of sour cherries joining the rare-venison flavors. But the structure is as hard as nails, making this a wine for the cellar."Grade: Year's Best Northern Rhone -
Score: 89 Points
The Wine Advocate Author: Joe Czerwinski
Date: Friday, December 1, 2017"Sourced exclusively from the lieu-dit Les Dionnières, the Philippe et Vincent Jaboulet 2011 Ermitage spent two years in 50% new oak barriques, which left an appreciable, overarching imprint on the wine. Vanilla and cedar aromas are followed by similar flavors, only slightly rounded out by cherry fruit. It's medium-bodied and not overly tannic, making it approachable now; it should last for another 5-8 years." -
Score: 91 Points
Wine Spectator Author: James Molesworth
Date: Friday, October 13, 2017This has an enticing singed mesquite hint leading the way, followed by silky cherry and plum preserve flavors. Reveals a flash of iron through the finish, with the mesquite accent lingering. Drink now through 2021. -
Score: 92 Points
Vinous Author: Josh Raynolds
Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017Deep ruby. Dark fruit preserves, olive, woodsmoke and a hint of incense on the powerfully scented nose. Intense, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors are accompanied by suggestions of black tea, licorice and candied flowers and supported by a core of juicy acidity. Dusty tannins come in slowly on a very long, juicy finish that strongly repeats the blue fruit and floral notes.
