Paul Jaboulet Aîné Les Pierrelles 2020 – Côte Rôtie

(organic) The wine has a deep ruby color with light purplish reflections. The nose offers density and freshness in these notes of juicy black fruits (blackberry, black plum, morello cherry, blackcurrant). It also expresses the aromas of morello cherry and dried blackcurrant, a fragrant and elegant floral bouquet (violet, peony, dried cornflower), savoury spicy notes (liquorice, nutmeg, cumin, cloves in the background, a touch of white pepper), a delicate hint of torrefaction (coffee, dark chocolate, toasted bitter almond, toasted wood in the background). After aeration, we also smell elegant and refreshing aromas of menthol, eucalyptus, fresh pine needles (even pine sap) and rosemary. The palate is savoury and filling, while remaining refined and fresh. In attack, we sense a pleasant hint of coffee, toasted bitter almond and heated oak, associated with spicy notes of liquorice, white pepper, clove and ground nutmeg. The mid-palate is gourmand and fruity – there are flavors of juicy black fruits (morello cherry, blackberry, black plum, blackcurrant), chocolate morello cherry, as well as an airy floral side (violet, peony, a touch of lily) and refreshing herbaceous notes (menthol, rosemary, pine needles, eucalyptus in the background). The finish is long, fruity and chocolatey (mint chocolate), while remaining elegant and fresh, thanks to a beautiful acidity. The tannins are powdery, silky, with a very fine texture. A concentrated, complex and refined wine.