2017 CÔTE-RÔTIE, Terrasses, Jean-Luc Jamet. Northern Rhône

100% Syrah, matured in oak for 10 months (25% new wood).

From their agent, Thorman Hunt:
“Jean-Luc Jamet worked for many years alongside his brother Jean-Paul, at the iconic family estate, Domaine Jamet. However in 2013 the brothers split the 16 hectare estate evenly, into two 8 hectare properties.
From the new beginning in 2013, Jean-Luc was not willing to buy second hand barrels and so all the barrels were new. This meant the early vintages were a little oaky but the latest vintages have great balance and are seriously impressive.
Generally 35% of the production is made with whole bunches, with the remaining 65% destemmed to emphasise the floral, elegant style and he only uses wild yeasts.
Today Jean-Luc and his wife Evelyne have been joined at the estate by their second son, Benoit, who supports in both the vineyards and the winery.
The vineyard holdings comprise 4.5 hectares of Côte-Rôtie, 2 hectares of Côtes-du-Rhône, and 1 hectare of Vin de Pays. The Côte-Rôtie is 100% Syrah and includes 0.9 ha Mornachon, 0.8 ha Chavaroche, 0.7 ha Lancement, 0.6 ha Bonnivières, as well as small parcels across Côte Baudin, La Landonne, Les Moutonnes, Les Rochains, Tartaras and Fongeant.”

Very drinkable already but at its best 2026-2030.

“From the first drawing of the cork, aromatic waves of sumptuous dark berry fruits, exotic Asian spices, violets, crushed black pepper corns, dried herbs, garrigue and savoury new season game meat notes rise imperiously out of the glass. The palate at this youthful juncture remains taut and linear, utterly focused but texturally supremely polished and elegant with serious precision and depth in abundance. The concentration and clarity of fresh saline cassis, tart blue berries and broody black bramble berry fruits is something to behold reaffirming that this will be a vintage to cellar and enjoy over 20+ years. This is a wine that feels self-assured, confident and aware of its own talents within the serious pecking order of the Côte-Rôtie appellation.” 96+/100 Greg Sherwood MW.