Domaine Jolivet New Releases | Summer 2018/19

Located in the superb St.-Joseph commune of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, Bastien Jolivet, 3rd generation winemaker, released his first vintage in 2014. After gaining extensive experience working for Stéphane Montez of Domaine du Monteillet, and multiple stints overseas, he decided to return to his family’s domaine. 

 

The estate today includes 8ha in St.-Joseph, with 7ha being allocated to red and 1ha to white vines. The terraced vineyards are planted high on the hillside with SSE aspect. The famed Hermitage vineyards stand almost directly alongside on the eastern side of the Rhône. The Jolivet wines have an impressive clarity and brilliance; powerful, but fine and aromatic due to the high, sloped vineyard site. Bastian Jolivet counts as an upcoming star in St.-Joseph

 

 

2016 Domaine Jolivet “L’Instinct”

The Syrah grapes are grown on gneiss and loess soil, and come from up to 80-year-old vines in the St.-Joseph appellation, yielding approx. 37 hl/ha. Each parcel is vinified separately and aged for 12 to 14 months before bottling. The wine shows flowers and spices on the nose, fine and silky tannins contribute to a well-structured, balanced and incredibly elegant wine.

 

TOP VALUE NEWCOMER:

‘Earthy, savoury tapenade and thyme. Balancing acidity, nothing overdone, and a saline finish. Unforced and textured.’ 93 points – Decanter Magazine, May 2018

‘Deep brilliant ruby. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet evokes fresh black and blue fruits, candied flowers and olive, and a smoky mineral topnote lends urgency. Appealingly sweet and precise on the palate, offering concentrated boysenberry and cassis flavors that pick up a peppery, spice nuance on the back half. Shows excellent delineation and floral thrust on the clinging finish, which is framed by smooth tannins.’ 92 points – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2018