In a significant development within the global wine industry, Caroline Frey has announced her decision to step back from her directorial and head winemaker responsibilities at several distinguished wine estates. This move, effective immediately, marks a pivotal moment for Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Domaine de La Chapelle, Château La Lagune, and Château Corton C. Frey's departure follows a period of health challenges, prompting her to re-evaluate her professional and personal priorities. Her focus will now shift to her Swiss vineyards, while her sister, Delphine Frey, is set to play a more central role in the family's French operations, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained commitment to quality.
Caroline Frey conveyed her decision through a heartfelt message to her peers and associates in the fine wine community. After two decades of devoted service and passionate dedication to Château La Lagune, Paul Jaboulet Aîné, La Chapelle Hermitage, and Château Corton C., a recent illness has compelled her to reassess her life's equilibrium and objectives. She expressed her emotional resolve to concentrate her efforts on her Swiss wine properties, while maintaining a connection, albeit a more distant one, to the estates she has cherished and nurtured for many years.
Frey emphasized the enduring strength of her family's legacy, highlighting her father, Jean-Jacques, as the visionary founder of their collective enterprise. His foresight, unwavering consistency, and profound commitment laid the groundwork for their accomplishments. His continued presence, she noted, is more invaluable than ever. Furthermore, her sister, Delphine, who has been integral to the business for years, will continue to imbue their estates with their unique spirit.
The transition is anticipated to unfold smoothly, despite its immediate implementation. Caroline Frey's announcement clarifies that Delphine has for some time been deeply involved in the strategic direction, vision, and public image of their estates. Delphine embodies a sense of continuity, characterized by her meticulousness, energy, and sensitivity. The selection of a new head winemaker is imminent, with an announcement from Delphine Frey expected in the coming weeks. This decision has been made collaboratively, reflecting a shared dedication to excellence and a profound respect for their unique terroirs. Caroline assures that there will be no disruption, only a careful continuation of their established ethos and standards.
Caroline Frey concluded her message by affirming her undiminished passion for winemaking. She intends to channel this passion into her Swiss vineyards, dedicating herself with the same love, sincerity, and commitment that the craft demands. She views this change not as an ending, but as an evolution—a narrative that will unfold differently, yet always with ardor, precision, and reverence. Over the past two decades, Frey has orchestrated remarkable transformations at both Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné and Château La Lagune, simultaneously revitalizing Château Corton C. Her advocacy for biodynamic viticulture has positioned her as a global leader in the field, earning her numerous accolades for her contributions to organic winemaking and environmental stewardship.
The industry eagerly anticipates the future offerings from Caroline Frey's Swiss vineyards. Her distinguished career is marked by a deep understanding and brilliant execution of winemaking. Reflecting on her remarkable journey, one can observe the evolution and consistent excellence in her work, exemplified by her vintages at Hermitage La Chapelle. Her first full vintage, the Hermitage La Chapelle 2007, showcased a wine that built upon previous successes while introducing a nuanced shift in style, marked by enhanced precision. This vintage was characterized by its freshness, vibrancy, and aromatic intensity, demonstrating an exceptional capture of fruit. The 2007 displayed a more austere and refined character compared to earlier vintages, with darker fruit notes and hints of forest floor and truffle. The Hermitage La Chapelle (Domaine La Chapelle) 2022, one of her final vintages as chief winemaker, initially presented as somewhat reserved but blossomed with aeration. This wine offered complex aromas of dark berries, stone fruits, and floral notes, alongside earthy undertones and graphite. Despite the challenges of a record-hot vintage, the exceptional terroir ensured the wine retained its essential freshness, a testament to Frey's profound understanding of her vineyards and her unwavering commitment to quality.