Northern Rhône heavyweight, Jean-Paul Jamet, makes appellation-defining wines. A pioneer, he has been instrumental in moving the appellation from subsistence farming towards being one of the greatest wine regions in the world. At the family domaine, above Ampuis in Côte-Rôtie, he started working the vineyards alongside his father in 1976 when he was only sixteen years old.

Two of the most sought-after Côtes du Rhônes, Jamet’s 2018 Côtes du Rhône Blanc and Rouge offer superb value for their pedigree. Due to their notoriety and scarcity, the Jamet Côtes du Rhônes now sell for more than $50 in the States; often outperforming top-end wines from these appellations in terms of quality.

For lovers of Hermitage blanc and Condrieu, do not miss out on the rare Jamet Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2018. A blend of 50% Marsanne, 30% Viognier and 10% each Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, it showed superbly at our Northern Rhône tastings last week. Floral, savoury and exotic, the blanc shows power and finesse, with incredible brightness and texture. To date, it is one of my favourite renditions of this wine.

The 100% Syrah Jamet Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2018 is a veritable baby Côte-Rôtie. Pure violets and brambles with a stony minerality, it epitomises the vintage conditions. 2018 gave bold wines with freshness and precision – with the power of 2017 and energy of 2016. Vignerons across the Northern Rhône were highly optimistic about the 2018 vintage, during which they received very welcome rain after the drought of the previous year.

If you are interested in receiving a Jamet Côte-Rôtie 2017 allocation, please enquire directly with me via Jolette@winecellar.co.za.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Jamet, Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2018

Tasted from tank, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a blend of 50% Marsanne, 30% Viognier and 10% each Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. It's rich, fragrant and toasty (a portion was barrel-fermented and aged), like the ripest Chardonnay ever, with notes of mango, pineapple and peach. Medium to full-bodied, drink this lush, flamboyant wine over the next couple of years. – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, 90-92/100

Pale yellow. Ripe pear, lemon pith, honeysuckle and a hint of succulent herbs on the perfumed nose. Chewy and broad on the palate, offering concentrated, mineral-tinged citrus and orchard fruit and honeysuckle flavors that firm up steadily with air. Closes on a juicy pear nectar note, with strong, floral-driven tenacity. 2020 – 2024. – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 92/100

Jamet, Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2018

Jamet's 2018 Cotes du Rhone is 100% Syrah from Ampuis. It boasts the seductive floral and fruity aromas of the IGP Syrah—violets, blueberries and raspberries—but with a bit more weight and texture. It shows remarkable purity in a medium to full-bodied, velvety wine, with flavors that linger elegantly on the finish. It really is a baby Côte Rôtie, yet it's capable of putting some Côte Rôties to shame. Good thing, as the price for the 2016 (a lesser vintage) is creeping up past $50 in the United States. 2020 – 2025. – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, 91-93/100

Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. Fresh dark berry and floral pastille aromas are complemented by hints of black pepper and licorice. Juicy and supple in style, offering energetic blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that firm up on the back half. The long, smooth, subtly sweet finish features harmonious tannins and a touch of smokiness. 2021 – 2026. – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 91/100

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