Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes Paul Jaboulet Ainé 2012

Lot presentation

Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes Paul Jaboulet Ainé 2012

The wine

This cuvée takes its name from the cross planted at the top of the vineyard, overlooking the Saint-Joseph parcels. The vines enjoy a southerly exposure, on granitic soils above the communes of Mauves and Tournon. The wine is matured in barrique barrels for 12 months. The nose is well concentrated, expressing aromas of very ripe red berries, sweet spices and hints of scrubland and liquorice. The palate is medium-bodied, supple and fruity, with silky tannins and attractive length. Ideal with red meats, especially in sauce.

Antoine Jaboulet set up his winemaking business Tain-l’Hermitage in 1834. He was succeeded by his sons, Paul and Henri, who in turn passed the baton to Paul’s son Louis. Next came Louis’s son Gérard and then, in 1997, Gérard’s cousin, Michel Jaboulet. He ran the domain until 2006 when it was bought by the Frey Group, which also owns vineyards in Champagne and Bordeaux (Château la Lagune). The heritage is nothing short of exceptional: 125 hectares of vines, including 25 gracing the slopes of the famous Hermitage Hill, the second-largest vineyard on this prestigious terrain. Several other remarkable appellations complete the selection: Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Today, with oenologist Caroline Frey at the helm, this already well-established estate, is confidently regaining its outstanding status.
In 2013, Maison Jaboulet officially converted its vineyards to organic practices. By 2015, the domain received “High Environmental Value” certification. Accreditations aside, the domain’s ambition to elevate the unique characteristics of the diverse Rhône terroirs remains unchanged. It achieves this goal by preserving the quality of the fruit, through meticulous vinification, and attentive ageing.