The 2019 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage Maison Bleue is an exceptional red wine hailing from the prestigious Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. Crafted from the Syrah grape, this wine embodies the essence of the terroir and showcases the artistry of the renowned producer, Paul Jaboulet Aine.
In the glass, this wine exhibits a deep, inky red color that hints at its richness and intensity. The nose is immediately captivated by a captivating bouquet of cloves, dried flowers, raspberries, and blackberries. Subtle nuances of black truffle add an intriguing earthy element to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, the 2019 Hermitage Maison Bleue delivers a full-bodied experience that is both powerful and refined. Layers of flavors unfold, with baked chocolate-pie and dark fruit taking center stage. The wine's velvety texture caresses the palate, leaving a lasting impression. As the wine lingers, it reveals its warmth and generosity, making it a truly indulgent and satisfying experience.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 93 points, noting its big, juicy profile and suggesting it will benefit from a few years of cellaring before reaching its full potential. Jeb Dunnuck also praised this wine, commending its ripe black fruits, fine elegance, and recommending a few years of bottle age to allow it to evolve further.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an outstanding score of 95 points, describing it as a superb Maison Bleue. The review highlights the seamless blend of cherries and cassis, the rich and velvety texture, and the complex and savory finish. The wine is deemed approachable already but has the potential to age gracefully until 2040.
Vinous also awarded this wine an impressive score of 95 points, noting its inky violet color, heady aromas of smoke, spice, cherry, and blueberry, and its energetic and strikingly long finish. The review praises the wine's energy and the well-integrated tannins.
Overall, the 2019 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage Maison Bleue is a wine of immense quality and sophistication. It embodies the character of its terroir and showcases the expertise of its producer. This is a wine that will undoubtedly captivate the senses and reward those who have the patience to cellar it for a few years.