France · Rhône Valley

Paul Jaboulet Aine

Paul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the Rhône Valley's most storied négociants and domaines, founded in 1834 and responsible for some of the 20th century's greatest Hermitage. La Chapelle — the single-vineyard Hermitage sourced from the site of the ancient chapel on the granite hill — became the appellation's definitive benchmark after the legendary 1961 and 1990 vintages. The 1983 vintage is the top auction year. La Chapelle Blanc (white Hermitage from Marsanne) averages $1,447 across 151 lots — a strikingly high figure reflecting both quality and the exceptional scarcity of mature white Hermitage at auction. Red Hermitage averages $248 from 65 lots. The overall record shows a ceiling of $64,575 — almost certainly a case lot of 1961 or 1990 La Chapelle Rouge. The estate passed through a difficult transitional period in the 1990s and early 2000s after founding family management changes, before being acquired by the Frey family (Champagne Billecart-Salmon) in 2006, which restored quality and consistency. A Domaine de Saint Pierre and négociant range add accessible entry points. For northern Rhône collectors, La Chapelle from great vintages remains among the most historically important wines in the auction market and continues to define the benchmark for what Syrah from granite Hermitage can achieve at its peak.