Domaine PAUL JABOULET AINE Crozes Hermitage Rouge 'Domaine de Thalabert' 2017

Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points
"This terroir always delivers a wild, opulent, gamey style of wine, and the ... Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert doesn’t disappoint. Loads of chocolaty black fruits, ground pepper, truffle, and smoked game, as well as a hint of black olives, emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a rocking texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s a classic example of this wine and terroir. Drink it over the coming 15 years or so."

James Suckling: 92 Points

"This has a very attractive feel ... Sanguine aromas of chocolate, iron and dark berries. There’s some real richness and a plush feel on the palate with a fine, elongated tannin drive. Super sleek. Great density and focus here. Will age very well. Try from 2024."

Wine Advocate: 92 Points

"Marked by scents of licorice, plum and cassis, the 2017 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert is a full-bodied effort (although less full than the 2018), with a fine sense of balance, a crisp finish and slightly drying tannins."

Undoubtedly one of the greatest names in the Rhône Valley, Paul Jaboulet Aîné was founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet and is perhaps best known for its flagship La Chapelle, of which the 1961 vintage still holds the title as one of the greatest wines ever made. A series of mishaps in the 1990s threw the estate in disarray and it took the financial might of the Frey family to set the estate on a path to recovery.

Since 2006, the Frey family have accomplished an impressive feat at Paul Jaboulet Aine by taking this historic estate to its rightful place as the first growth of the Rhone. With their experience at Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux, the Frey family saw the potential in Jaboulet’s vineyards, including the important and iconic vineyard, Hermitage La Chapelle.