JABOULET CROZES-HERMIATGE BLANC
Review: 2022 Vintage
“This proves that Crozes-Hermitage can be a truly great wine. A wealth of black fruit, smoke, black pepper and raw meat aromas. At once bold, structured and elegantly balanced on the medium- to full-bodied palate, where the interplay of fleshiness and fine tannins is stunning. Very long, stony finish with notes of licorice and blackberries. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
95 points, James Suckling
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Region | Rhône Valley |
| Appellation | Crozes-Hermitage |
| Wine Type | White |
| Blend | Marsanne / Roussanne |
| Closure | Natural Cork |
Based in the famous pudding-stone terroir of Les Châssis, Domaine de Thalabert has long been one of the pillars of Crozes-Hermitage. Acquired by Paul Jaboulet Aîné in 1834, the 40-hectare domaine remains both the oldest estate in the appellation and its largest single holding — an important part of the northern Rhône’s history.
Thalabert has a strong identity of its own. Old Syrah vines — some planted before the Second World War — grow deep into soils covered with galets roulés and iron-rich red clay, bringing atypical depth, savoury character and complexity.
All fruit is harvested by hand, parcel by parcel, then carefully sorted in small crates before complete destemming and long macerations. Extraction is gentle, while ageing takes place in stainless steel, large old oak vats and demi-muids, helping the wine gain texture and balance without losing freshness or precision.
In the glass, Thalabert shows the darker side of northern Rhône Syrah, with notes of blackberry, bilberry, black olive and cracked pepper, alongside a subtle mineral note reminiscent of warm stones after rain. The wine is generous yet controlled, with fine tannins and a long, spicy finish.