A Large négociant operation with some 100 ha of their own vineyards, 84 ha of which are planted to Syrah. The firm has the largest holding of vineyards producing under their own label of the big Rhône merchant houses. An extensive range is produced but the main focus is the northern Rhône appellations. The Jaboulet name is most famous for one massive and very ageworthy cuvée of red Hermitage, La Chapelle. With dense and dark fruit, the wine is more approachable than, say, a Jean-Louis CHAVE but not as modern and opulent as a top CHAPOUTIER. There is also a much lighter second red Hermitage, Le Pied de la Côte, produced from younger vines. A white La Chapelle is also now being made. During the 1990s the Raymond Roure property was added to the portfolio and with the dense and chocolaty Thalabert offers good to very good quality in Crozes-Hermitage. Domaine de Saint-Pierre Cornas is powerful and tannic in its youth and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cèdres has been better of late. Top wines are ageworthy but the lesser appellations should be approached young. (DM)
