Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Maison Bleue 2015

JD96: A new cuvée that’s replacing the Petit Chapelle, the 2015 Hermitage La Maison Bleue comes from grapes on the eastern side of the appellation, which is more limestone, clay, and sedimentary soils. Brought up in 20% new oak (which is the same for all the reds), it offers a rich, opulent, incredibly sexy style as well as full-bodied notes of black raspberry, blackberry jam, toasted bread, and spice. With tons of sweet fruit, no hard edges, and a great finish, it’s a much more in your face, pedal-to-the-metal effort compared to the more structured La Chapelle.

JS95: A striking, exotic nose with red stone fruits and extremely expressive berries as well as darker cherries and plums, and plenty of dark stony notes, too. The palate is super plush, expansive and deeply structured. Velvety, deep and supple, and packed with red and dark cherries and plums. Dense, velvety tannins. Super expressive and long with a stony finish