Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 2021

Founded in 1834 on the hill of L’Hermitage, in Tain L’Hermitage, the Paul Jaboulet Aîné House produces quintessential great wines of the northern Rhone Valley. Having become part of the Frey family in 2006, the historical House is now in the hands of the talented and passionate oenologist and winegrower, Caroline Frey.

At the head of a 125-hectare vineyard, the Paul Jaboulet Aîné House oversees an exceptional heritage which brings together the most famous terroirs of the northern Rhone Valley, such as Bessards, Le Méal, Roucoules, Greffieux, Mûrets, Les Dionnières as well as the iconic La Chapelle terroir. These exceptional terroirs have the particular characteristic of being made up of small, round, white pebbles with vines which benefit from a hot microclimate and southern exposure.

"Because great wines do not exist without great grapes", the Paul Jaboulet Aîné House regards the terroir and the vineyard with the highest importance. Under the leadership of Caroline Frey, the vines are cultivated organically and biodynamically, implementing horse- and mule-drawn ploughing to aerate the soil as well as promoting microbiological life and vine rooting. The work carried out by the teams at the Paul Jaboulet Aîné House is extremely precise and aims for perfect, allowing their wines to reach levels that have never been reached before, receiving impressive scores from critics and international press.

Today, the Paul Jaboulet Aîné House is an essential reference, with legendary wines such as the prestigious "La Chapelle" cuvée from l’Hermitage, made from old Syrah vines. The Paul Jaboulet Aîné House produces red or white wines on the Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu appellations, or even the Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise appellation.

The Syrah grapes for Thalabert are grown on old vines between 50 to 90 years old with deep roots in stony soil of glacial origin. The round pebbles absorb the heat of the sun during the day and release it throughout the night, enabling grapes to mature at an optimal steady pace. The grapes are hand-harvested, hand-sorted, and destemmed. The maceration lasts for three weeks with daily pump overs. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (of which 20% are new). It has the potential to age up to 20 years.

“Lots of black and green pepper in the nose, but also lots of blackberry fruit. Impressive concentration and full supple tannins that give this considerable power at the long velvety and earthy finish. Excellent aging potential, and that's rare in this vintage. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.” - 93 Points, James Suckling

“Taut and racy, in line with the leaner vintage, marked by smoked incense and meat notes layered with crunchy red currant and lavender. Reveals charred apple wood accents that add roundness to the palate, while generous salty mineral and graphite elements line the finish.” - 90 Points, Wine Spectator

“The 2021 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is pretty and elegant, with medium-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, truffly earth, and peppery herbs. It's nicely balanced, has juicy, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It's an undeniable success in the vintage.” - 90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Country: France

Region: Rhône

Varietal: Syrah

Appellation: Crozes-Hermitage

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml