Paul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the Rhône Valley’s most historic and wide-ranging producers, with a legacy that stretches back to 1834. Founded by Antoine Jaboulet and later named “Aîné” (the elder) after his son Paul, the house became synonymous with Hermitage and helped establish the global reputation of the northern Rhône’s great Syrah. Over nearly two centuries, it has expanded into a domaine and négociant business, producing an extensive range of wines that cover both the northern and southern Rhône, from everyday bottlings to some of the valley’s most celebrated icons.
The jewel of the estate has always been Hermitage La Chapelle, sourced from old vines across several of Hermitage’s most revered lieux-dits, including Le Méal, Les Bessards, and Les Rocoules. Throughout the 20th century, La Chapelle set benchmarks for Syrah’s nobility and longevity, with legendary vintages like 1961 attaining near-mythical status. Beyond Hermitage, Jaboulet owns vineyards in Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu, and Côte-Rôtie, while also producing in southern Rhône appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras. This breadth allows the house to offer a comprehensive view of Rhône terroir at all price points.
The modern chapter began in 2006, when the Frey family, also owners of Château La Lagune in Bordeaux, acquired Jaboulet. Under Caroline Frey’s leadership, significant investment in vineyard replanting, biodynamic farming, and cellar modernisation has elevated quality across the range. Today, all estate vineyards are farmed organically, with an increasing emphasis on biodiversity and soil health, a marked shift from earlier decades when quality could be inconsistent.
Jaboulet’s winemaking philosophy combines precision with respect for tradition. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermentations are carefully managed to preserve fruit purity, and oak use is judicious, designed to frame rather than mask the wines. The house style has evolved toward greater finesse, clarity, and terroir transparency, while retaining the depth and ageworthiness that made its reputation.
With over 100 different wines produced each year, Paul Jaboulet Aîné offers one of the Rhône’s broadest portfolios, but its reputation rests on a few key names: Hermitage La Chapelle as the flagship; Parallèle 45 as one of the most recognisable and widely enjoyed Côtes-du-Rhône; and a deep roster of appellation-level wines that showcase the diversity of the region. From approachable everyday reds to world-class Syrah capable of ageing for half a century, Jaboulet stands as a bridge between heritage and modernity, breadth and excellence.