For 160 years Jaboulet has been a valued and respected name of the great wines of the Rhone Valley. In recent years it was carried with distinction by Gerard Jaboulet up to his recent, untimely departure from this world at just 55 years. The Irish wine trade, and indeed the discerning consumer, will associate Gerard with wines such as La Chapelle, Chevalier de Sterimberg, Parallele 45, Village Cornas and Chateau Neuf du Pape "Les Cedres".
Equally, they know and recall his special affinity for Ireland. A regular visitor, he is remembered with affection and great warmth, in particular for a generous spirit in every sense but especially towards local causes.
Those who knew him shared his great enthusiasm for wines equalled only by his dedication to his two preferred pastimes - shooting and fishing. He visited Ireland twice a year: in spring for wine-tasting, with Gilbeys who import Jaboulet, and in December for shooting with friends such as Mark Wilkinson and Liam O'Gorman.
Gerard Jaboulet first came to Ireland as a student to learn English. Following his father's instructions he made contact with the manager of the Russell Hotel, who arranged for him to stay at the hotel as his guest for the six months he was in Ireland.
Born in Tournon, across the Rhone from Tain l'Hermitage, Gerard joined his renowned father Louis (hale and hearty at 85) in the family business in 1969. Taking up where his father left off, his great personal contribution to the industry was his vigorous efforts to build the quality and reputation of Rhone wines after the devastation of two World Wars.
Gerard Jaboulet actively expanded the family interests, including new domains at Cornas and at Crozes Hermitage, in addition to acquiring extra vineyards in Hermitage itself where the finest Jaboulet wines, La Chapelle and Chevalier de Sterimberg, come from. At Crozes Hermitage, Domaine de Thalabert, frequently compared to a Hermitage, was expanded by Gerard Jaboulet's purchase of an adjacent vineyard. Gerard is remembered also for his great contribution in promoting not just the wines of Jaboulet but also the Rhone valley and indeed France.
The success of Jaboulet and the dedicated families is reflected in the current value of the wines of that region at the en primeur sales.
The sad passing of Gerard is a matter of regret not only for his wife Odile and his three daughters, but for the entire French wine industry and also his friends.
JC