Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Maison Bleue 2022 is a refined, organically grown 100% Syrah from the eastern slopes of the legendary Hermitage hill in France's Northern Rhône. Sourced from clay-rich soils, this exceptional vintage delivers remarkable depth, elegance and ageing potential, showcasing the estate's signature balance of power and finesse.
The wine reveals expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant, layered with smoke, grilled rosemary, charcoal, coffee, tobacco and floral notes. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a rich, velvety texture, fine-grained tannins and a long, complex finish with impressive freshness and structure. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, it is an outstanding match for roast lamb, beef, venison, game and mature cheeses.

James Sucklling | JS 95
Published: Jan 7, 2025

In spite of its ample concentration and structure, this is an elegant and precise expression of Hermitage. Such a wide spectrum of black and red berries with grilled rosemary and smoke complexity. The ample fine-grained tannins build impressively in the finish, and they need some time to completely harmonize, but they are wrapped in enough richness to already be exciting. From vineyards on the eastern side of the hill of Hermitage. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2027.

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Mar 13, 2025
Drink: 2028-2044

Crafted from vines planted on the eastern side of the Hermitage's hill, the 2022 Hermitage La Maison Bleue evokes aromas of loamy soils, mulberries, iris and dark berries, which intermingle with floral notes upon aeration. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it has a fleshy, dense core of fruit and velvety yet abundant tannins, finishing with a charming, youthful and long finish. Fleshier and deeper than many Hermitage wines due to clay soils without granite influence, this is an enveloping and stunning Hermitage.

Caroline Frey graciously hosted me for a tasting of the 2022 vintage. She described the year as “hot, dry and extreme,” noting that the number of days with maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius reached record levels. Despite those conditions, the wines are fresh with lively bouquets and no trace of drought or overripe profiles. Caroline considers it “an exciting vintage, particularly regarding how positively the vines adapted to the climate.”

The Frey family acquired Paul Jaboulet Aîné in 2006, securing ownership of the second-largest estate of Hermitage vines, including the legendary La Chapelle. Since their arrival, and under Caroline Frey’s leadership, the vineyards have undergone extensive restructuring and a full conversion to organic viticulture. Winemaking remains rooted in tradition, with a notable influence from Bordeaux techniques. La Chapelle continues to be the estate’s flagship wine, revered for its distinctive, sappy tannins and refined delicacy. 

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Sep 19, 2023
Drink: 2027-2036

Cask sample. The nose is meaty, spiced, rich and gamey, bloody and ferruginous. A ripe and rounded palate with an opulent mouthfeel – firm and succulent tannins that are well integrated. The fruit is dark, meaty, gamey and spiced. A broad finish with moderate acidity and a dense, dark finish. Nicely balanced but a bit of a behemoth! Alistair Cooper MW

Jaboulet.com

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Hermitage vineyard, one of the most renowned vineyards in the world, stands this enchanting stone house adorned with blue shutters— a place rich in history. Today, it is still used to dry the plants used for biodynamic preparations, as well as for the drying of the Hermitage straw wine.

2022 TASTING NOTE
Deep ruby-red colour. A fine expression of ageing notes: charcoal, coffee, light tobacco.
On aeration, the fruity aromas take over: blueberry, blackcurrant. The attack on the palate
sets the tone with immediate, gradual power. The structure is remarkable, with coated
tannins that linger long after tasting.

Harvesting
Hand-picked, sorted by plot in small 12kg crates.
Vinification / ageing
Manual sorting
Traditional vinification - 100% destemming 3 weeks of maceration and daily pumping over Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 15% of which are new.
Malolactic fermentation