Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage Le Taurobole 2023 750ml is an exceptional 100% Syrah from the prestigious Hermitage AOC in France's Northern Rhône Valley, named after the historic Taurobolic Altar found beneath the iconic Hermitage hill. Sourced from low-yielding vines planted between 1955 and 1994 on south-facing limestone-rich terraces, this wine showcases the depth and elegance that have made Hermitage one of the world's greatest Syrah appellations. Hand-harvested, traditionally vinified, and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (15% new oak), it delivers concentrated layers of blackberry, black cherry, violet, cracked black pepper and subtle smoky spice, supported by refined tannins and remarkable freshness. Powerful yet beautifully balanced, Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage Le Taurobole 2023 offers outstanding ageing potential while already displaying impressive finesse, making it an excellent choice for collectors, fine wine enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an authentic premium Hermitage experience.

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The taurobolic altar is a Gallo-Roman limestone stele, listed as a historical monument since 1840.

The Taurobolic Altar is a Gallo-Roman limestone stele that has been listed as a historic monument since 1840.

Discovered in the 16th century, it was buried beneath the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Hercules, located on the summit of the Hermitage hill, now occupied by La Chapelle. The altar was dedicated to the goddess Cybele, whose statue was discovered in the late 1960s at the confluence of the Isère and Rhône rivers during the construction of the Bourg-lès-Valence dam.

Today, the main square of Tain-l'Hermitage is named Place du Taurobole in honour of this unique Gallo-Roman altar.

Vineyard Information
Year the vines were planted: Between 1955 and 1994
Total AOP vineyard area: 94 ha
AOP yield: 40 hl/ha
Our vineyard holdings: 13 ha
Average yield: Between 25 and 35 hl/ha

Soil & Terroir
Produced from vineyards located on the easternmost slopes of the Hermitage hill, where the soils are deeper. The vineyards are situated on Rhône River terraces, with limestone soils over colluvial deposits.

Harvest
Hand-harvested.
Grapes are carefully sorted in the vineyard and collected in small 12 kg crates.

Vinification & Ageing
Hand sorting of the grapes.
Traditional winemaking with 100% destemming.
Three weeks of maceration with daily pump-overs.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, including 15% new oak.
Undergoes malolactic fermentation.

Vintage
Harvest dates: From 7 to 22 September

Vineyard Location
Average slope: 0–30%
Average altitude: 190 metres
Average vineyard exposure: South-facing

Vine Training
Bush vines (Gobelet) supported by stakes (échalas)
Cordon de Royat

Vine Density
Between 6,000 and 9,000 vines per hectare