2021
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Rhone Valley
93
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.
Domaine de Thalabert is the oldest estate in the Crozes Hermitage appellation. It has been the property of Paul Jaboulet Aîné since it was founded in 1834. The ruins of the ancient building of Clos Gounon and its surrounding meadows and forest in the middle of the vineyard form a protected nature preserve to encourage biodiversity. It is the first of its kind in the region.
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.