Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Nouvelere 2017

Rhone, France Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Nouvelere is a gorgeous bottle of Syrah from the northern Rhone of France. For 25 years, until the estate was sold in 2006, Philippe Jaboulet oversaw the vineyards of his family business, the renowned Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Now, Philippe, along with his son Vincent have joined the movement of local growers making their own wines. Holding on to 15 hectares of original family vines, including the highly regarded Thalabert parcel (renamed Nouvelère) and purchasing another 15 ha, the two created a singular domain: Domaine Philippe & Vincent Jaboulet. The estate includes plots in Ermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Cornas. Since the inception of the Domaine, Philippe and Vincent have worked the vines as traditionally as possible which allowed them to achieve the highest level HVE certification in 2016. Sustainable and certified biodynamic. Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Nouvelere is 100% Syrah from 80-year-old vines in the parcel originally known as Thalabert (The current cuvée name is a play on the words “nouvelle” and “era”). Certified biodynamic in alluvial soil with large and smaller pebbles with high plant density. Hand harvested and destemmed. Berries are chilled for 24 to 48 hours in order to preserve the aromas of the fruit. Fermentation in wood vat and maceration from 3-4 weeks. Both Pump-overs and punch-downs are performed twice a day. Aged for 24 months in oak barrel, 30% in 25hl foudre and 70% in small 228l barrels (some new oak). Light filter before bottling and a minimum of 2 years aged in bottle. Beautiful dark ruby/purple in color. The nose offers notes of red currant and floral notes of violet with a touch of licorice. Full-bodied and rich on the palate. The long finish is full of finesse. Enjoy Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Nouvelere over the next 4-6 years with roast pork, daube Provencale, burgers, and grilled vegetables.