Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Domaine de la Croix des Vignes 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Domaine de la Croix des Vignes 2023 by Paul Jaboulet-Aîné

Tasting

Appearance

With a beautiful intensity, the ruby colour unveils itself with brilliance.

Nose

Typical of its appellation, the nose exhales aromas of red and black cherry, mingled with subtle notes of cedar, earth and a minerality reminiscent of pencil lead.

Palate

The palate reveals itself as round, refined and medium-bodied. Carried by silky tannins, it offers a vibrant fruity structure of great freshness, extending towards a long, flavourful and mineral finish.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs wonderfully with grilled lamb chops, braised or roasted beef served with mushrooms, as well as game such as wild boar or venison. It will also elevate aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

Serving and cellaring

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to serve this wine between 16 and 18°C. The Domaine de la Croix des Vignes 2023 has excellent cellaring potential and can be kept until around 2033.

The mineral elegance and freshness of a Saint-Joseph wine

The estate

Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain l'Hermitage, the Paul Jaboulet-Aîné House is a true institution of the northern Rhône Valley. After remaining in the family fold for over a century and a half, the estate was acquired in 2006 by the Frey family. Under the leadership of Jean-Jacques Frey, the current owner, and his daughters Caroline and later Delphine, the property has experienced a genuine renaissance. With a vineyard of approximately 120 hectares, this iconic name now stands out for its deep commitment to biodynamic viticulture and the preservation of its historic terroirs.

The vineyard

The Domaine de la Croix des Vignes extends over a small plot of about 1.5 hectares located at the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation. Planted in 1998, the vines grow on steep slopes arranged in terraces, with an incline reaching 45%. Facing south-west, this terroir benefits from ideal sunshine while retaining freshness. The soils are exclusively composed of pure decomposed granite, known as gore, giving the wine a unique mineral identity. The vineyard is cultivated entirely according to the principles of biodynamics, with deliberately limited yields to ensure optimal quality.

The vintage

The 2023 year was marked by contrasting weather conditions, combining episodes of drought, heatwaves and fungal pressure. Despite these challenges and abundant vegetative growth, the end of the season proved highly favourable. Warm days paired with cool nights allowed ideal phenolic ripeness to be reached while preserving beautiful aromatic freshness, giving rise to perfectly balanced grapes.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes intended for the Domaine de la Croix des Vignes 2023 are hand-harvested in small crates before undergoing a double sorting, both manual and optical. The harvest is fully destemmed and then macerated for three weeks, with daily pump-overs. Ageing then extends over a period of 12 to 18 months. It is carried out in a combination of French oak barrels (including 15 to 20% new wood), demi-muids, truncated conical vats and concrete eggs, thereby enhancing the complexity of the wine.

Grape variety

100% Syrah