From the oldest vineyard in Crozes-Hermitage, this organic Syrah balances bold blackberry fruit with spicy pepper and earthy depth. Silky tannins, bright freshness, and serious aging potential make this a Rhône red worth holding—or enjoying now.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: May 22, 2023

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.

Wine Spectator | WS 90

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.

Jaboulet.com

The oldest vineyard in Crozes-Hermitage appellation, Domaine de Thalabert has been owned by Paul Jaboulet Aîné since 1834.

The Crozes Hermitage vineyard is the largest of the northern appellations. It extends over 11 communes located in the Drôme, on the left bank of the Rhône. Convinced that the interactions of living organisms are beneficial to the vineyard, favouring, among other things, crop auxiliaries, we have set up the protection of the Clos Gounon ruin, its forest and its meadow. This 7-hectare wildlife reservoir, in the heart of our Thalabert vineyard, is the first LPO biodiversity refuge in the Drôme.

TASTING NOTE
Bright ruby red colour. Expressive nose marked by aromas of red fruits, some spicy and
floral notes. The palate is fresh and continuous with supple tannins that carry the finish.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2021
Oak: Aged for 12 months in stainless steel vats (20%), wooden truncated-cone vats (50%), and French oak barrels and demi-muids (30%), including 15% new oak
Varietals: 100% Syrah
Farming: Organic viticulture
Vineyard Area: Domaine de Thalabert, on the stony, glacial-origin terraces of the Rhône River
Vinification: Hand-harvested and carefully sorted by plot in small 12kg crates. Fully destemmed, followed by three weeks of maceration with daily pump-overs and malolactic fermentation
Winemaker: Caroline Frey and the Paul Jaboulet Aîné winemaking team
Region: Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Northern Rhône Valley, France

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: Decant for approximately 1 hour before serving
Food Pairing: Grilled beef, roast lamb, venison, duck breast, game dishes, and mature hard cheeses