2017 Paul Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage Domaine Roure, Northern Rhone

Deep violet. Displays expansive blackberry and cherry compote flavors, along with hints of exotic spices, incense and olive paste. Round and fleshy but lively as well, offering intense black and blue fruit and spicecake flavors that are supported by a spine of juicy acidity. A smoky note appears on the youthfully tannic, penetrating finish, which hangs on with strong, spice-driven tenacity. I really like the interplay of power and finesse here.
 
93-94 points Josh Raynolds vinous.com
 
Roure is a gem in the Jaboulet lineup and really resembles Hermitage in its overall makeup, coming as it does from granite slopes. The 2017 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Roure is full-bodied, concentrated and velvety, framing ripe cassis with hints of pencil shavings and crushed stone. There's plenty of power here, and the wine finishes rich and long.
 
93-95 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com Drink 2020-2032

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Roure is a classic Northern Rhône Syrah that captures the character and heritage of one of the appellation’s most historic estates. Domaine de Roure sits on the alluvial terraces and gentle slopes of Crozes Hermitage, where a mix of rolled river stones, clay and loess soils gives Syrah both generosity and structure. The vineyards benefit from warm days, cooling mistral winds and significant diurnal shifts, allowing fruit to ripen evenly while retaining freshness and spice. Crozes Hermitage is often seen as the more approachable neighbour to Hermitage, and Domaine de Roure consistently shows how refined and expressive the appellation can be when old vines and careful farming are involved.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the great names of the Rhône, founded in 1834 and inseparable from the region’s history. The house reached global fame through its legendary Hermitage La Chapelle, and today continues under the stewardship of the Frey family with a strong emphasis on organic and biodynamic viticulture. Domaine de Roure is farmed with the same respect and attention as Jaboulet’s top wines, focusing on low yields, healthy soils and gentle, traditional winemaking that allows Syrah’s natural personality to shine. Fermentation and aging are handled to build texture and depth without masking the vineyard’s voice.

In the glass the wine shows a deep ruby to inky purple colour. Aromas are immediately expressive, offering blackberry, dark cherry and plum layered with cracked black pepper, violets, olive tapenade and a subtle smoky, earthy note. The palate is medium to full bodied, savoury and well structured, delivering dark fruits, spice and fine grained tannins with a fresh, persistent finish. It is a natural partner for grilled lamb, beef, sausages and hearty Rhône inspired dishes, and it has the balance to age confidently for ten to fifteen years, developing notes of leather, dried herbs and smoked meat as it matures.

Paul Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Roure is a benchmark Crozes, combining approachability with real depth, and offering an authentic taste of Northern Rhône Syrah shaped by history, terroir and thoughtful winemaking.