‘Without question, the hottest ticket in Côte-Rôtie over the last few years has been Domaine Jean-Paul, Corinne and Loïc Jamet‘s wines.’
– Vinous
Does Northern Rhône Syrah and Viognier get any better than this? In 1976 Jean-Paul Jamet left school, aged 16, to help his father Joseph with the family business – tending vines on the impossibly steep and rocky, terraced hillsides of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. Joined by his wife Corinne and their son Loïc, Jamet is the ultimate classicist – remaining faithful to the use of traditional demi-muids (600-litre oak barrels) and whole-bunch fermentation. ‘They have been making some of the best wines in France for some time now,’ proclaims Vinous.
Their 2020 Côte-Rôtie is a blend from about 25 different plots. It’s a brilliant black-fruited, black olive, blackjacked rendition with mineral drive and a smoky, lavender-laced finish. There is so much depth here and it’s undoubtedly ‘Côte-Rôtie at its finest’, says Wine Spectator. ‘The entry-level, non-Côte-Rôtie wines deliver outstanding value compared to their big brothers and give quite a good glimpse at the domaine’s style’ (VIN). Grab their 100% Syrah 2021 Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge now.
Whilst revered for their reds, Jamet offers two scarce white wines – the 2021 Vernillon from Condrieu and the 2021 Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc. ‘2021 was a fantastic vintage for Viognier/Condrieu,’ notes Jancis Robinson. Both wines are classically styled with tension, purity and depth and come highly recommend. ‘Savvy consumers know not to overlook the excellent white wines here,’ says the Wine Advocate.
Famous Condrieu is the northernmost white-wine appellation in the Rhône. Jamet’s Vernillonis 100% Viognier and the brainchild of Loïc, who studied in Beaune, Burgundy and has a love for mineral white wines. First made in 2015, it is rarely seen on the market, yet always enthrals with its citrus blossom freshness, complex fruit and mineral lift. Their Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc is a blend of mostly Marsanne and Viognier with smaller percentages of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. It always shows beautiful floral, pear and citrus aromatics with great energy and a spicy finish.
As a special offering, we have some 2019 Jamet Côte-Rôtie available along with a Vernillon in this Jamet Mixed Pack.
Tasting Notes:
‘Opaque ruby. Vibrant blackberry, cherry, incense, Moroccan spice, potpourri and smoky mineral qualities on the expansive, seductively perfumed nose. Offers vibrant black and blue fruit, spice cake, olive and floral pastille flavors that show bright detail and energetic mineral lift. The floral and spice notes recur strongly on the youthfully gripping finish, which features mounting tannins and lingering smokiness.’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 97/100
Jamet Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge 2021
‘Certainly a big step up from their IGP Syrah, this has deeper fruit and a more classically northern expression. It’s light-bodied, without great concentration. Tannins aren’t intense, but they’re certainly strict and structured. Some red fruits among the black bring a slightly perfumed element. Freshness, good acidity and low alcohol make this very drinkable, a leaner year. All destemmed.’ – Matt Walls, Decanter.com, 90/100
‘You almost never see it in the market, but this estate makes a terrific Condrieu. Their 2021 Condrieu has a great nose of tart white peach, apricots, and flowers, as well as medium-bodied richness and depth on the palate. It always plays in the fresher, vibrant end of the spectrum, and the 2021 is no exception.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, 93/100
