Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert Rouge
VINTAGE
2021
COUNTRY
France
TABLE #
255
REGION
Crozes-Hermitage AOC
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. Drink now through 2028.
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.
Syrah (100%)
12 months French oak barrels (20% are new)
The 2021 vintage had a mild winter with an early spring. The early development of vegetation slowed as the temperatures dropped in April. The spring was cool and May had abundant rainfall. Flowering took place rapidly and in good conditions. The summer was also very wet with temperatures below normal, resulting in a delay of veraison and slower maturation. The harvest resulted in grapes with good balance and aromas.
Bright, ruby red in color, this wine has expressive notes of red fruits and spices with supple tannins.
Guinea fowl with seasonal vegetables.
