Summary
Situated on the plain in the shadows of Hermitage the Domaine de Thalabert has belonged to Jaboulet since 1834 and is the oldest vineyard in the appellation.
Terroir: The Domaine de Thalabert is a large estate of close to 100 acres located on the plains in the heart of the appellation. Soils is made primarily of small round pebbles that soak up the warmth of the days sun and release it at night leading to ideal maturity of the old vine Syrah.
Vinification: The grapes are sorted, destemmed and vinified in neutral casks. The wines are aged in the cellars for 12 months prior to bottling.
Notes
"This is the oldest vineyard of Jaboulet. A single vineyard of 40 hectares ranging 40-50 years old typically a soil of clay and limestone combined with stone pebbles. This is a very age worthy wine, but also accessible when young. This is a great gastronomic wine when young it shows spicy red fruit and after a few years it becomes more complex with truffle notes, leather, tobacco and chocolate notes. This is a great vintage, very well balanced." -Jean-Luc Chapel
Ratings & Reviews
95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The greatest Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert since the magnificent 1990 is the 2009. Jaboulet has nearly 100 acres in this appellation, and the 2009, which is bursting with potential, represents a great buy for Syrah lovers. Its dense purple color is followed by an explosive bouquet of blackberries, sweet cherries, licorice, Provencal olives, graphite and subtle smoke. Full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a terrific mouthfeel and palate penetration, this gorgeous offering should drink well for 15 or more years." - Robert Parker
(Dec 2011)
91-93 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:"Opaque purple. Blackberry and smoky Indian spices on the nose. Juicy, focused and very fruity, offering sweet dark berry flavors with an intense mineral underpinning. Finishes sappy and smooth, showing impressive clarity and lingering, mineral-accented dark fruit character. " - Josh Raynolds (Jan/Feb '11)
