2020 Paul Jaboulet Hermitage Maison Bleue

95 POINTS

Falstaff

Dark ruby in colour with purple reflections and subtle brightening on the ochre rim. On the nose aromas of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, subtle hints of liquorice and nougat, darkly mineral with fine oak spice and sweet tobacco. The palate is juicy and powerful, full of sweet cherry fruit with ripe, rounded tannins. Chocolatey and accessible with a saline minerality this is already well developed and easy to drink.

94 POINTS

Stuart Pigott - James Suckling

Although this youthful Hermitage features extremely ripe blueberry and blackberry aromas, plus the imposing depth you expect for this famous appellation, it is remarkably open for a red wine with this kind of stature, and it already flows gracefully over the palate. Although there are plenty of tannins, they are very fine and even at the finish, with a restrained feel. From 40 to 60-year-old syrah vines. From biodynamically grown grapes. Score: 94-95

94 POINTS

Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Full, bright-rimmed violet. Highly fragrant cherry and black raspberry scents, along with suggestions of pipe tobacco, olive, peony and baking spices. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, offering concentrated red and blue fruit, floral pastille, smoky bacon and spicecake flavors that become sweeter on the back half. Smooth, rounded tannins build steadily on a very long, mineral- and spice-accented finish that leaves behind suggestions of mocha and allspice. 20% new oak. Score: 93-95

94 POINTS

Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate

Mostly sourced from les Murets, the 2020 Hermitage La Maison Bleue is a solid effort, with appealing notes of blackberries, raspberries and espresso on the nose. It's full-bodied and rich, yet streamlined and focused, with savory tones of black olives appearing on the softly dusty finish. It should drink well young, yet age well for more than a decade.

94 POINTS

Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate

Just a step behind the La Chapelle this vintage, the 2020 Hermitage La Maison Bleue expresses the non-granitic side of Hermitage, in its opulent fruit and early accessibility. Ripe cherries and raspberries dominate the nose, while the full-bodied palate is a bit warm (it's labeled at 15.5% alcohol) with supple tannins and a long, almost creamy-textured finish.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

An intense nose expressing dark notes of blackberries, dark plums, mocha, stones, bark and hints of grilled herbs and undergrowth. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins. It’s restrained and ample with layers and texture. Focused with a dense core of dark fruits and some bitter chocolate and spices towards the long finish. Try after 2027.