The Domaine de Thalabert of Paul Jaboulet Ainé owns one of the oldest vineyards in Crozes-Hermitage, the first Syrah vines were planted here in 1946. These old vines only bring small yields, together with the newly planted around 30 hl/ha, but an all the more concentrated wine, famous for its longevity. The soil of this approximately 45-hectare site is similar to the soils in Châteauneuf-du-Pape due to its large stones, here called galets.
2018 is the vintage of succulencet. This even applies to the otherwise more classically structured Crozes-Hermitage Thalabert, which this year has clothed its tannin structure with lots of fruit and extract. The tannins are also very ripe, so that the wine is available earlier than other vintages.
Parker's Wine Advocate Taster Joe Czerwinski rated the 2018 Thalabert 93/100 and noted the scent of pepper (typical of Syrah from the northern Rhône), olives and ripe plums. He mentions medium to full body and fullness on the palate.
Paul Jaboulet Ainé's owner, Caroline Frey, describes the 2018 vintage as a mix of 2015 for strength and 2016 for clarity. That sounds very encouraging.
