Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Domaine de Thalabert 2018

The 2018 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert boasts scents of cracked pepper, black olives, spice and ripe plums. Showing lovely weight and richness on the medium to full-bodied palate, this vintage is a bit forward and just plain yummy, framed by soft, dusty tannins and lingering notes of licorice and espresso on the finish.

Reveals red currant and fresh earth notes that glide across the palate, with smoked meat and sandalwood details. This is equal parts earth and fresh fruit, with savory minerals and smoke bringing depth and length. Drink now through 2030. 400 cases imported.

The ripeness and opulence here are already impressive, with tile, brick, ripe plum and clove character on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with lots of fruit, but a line of fine tannins runs through the mid-palate. Drinkable now, but better in 2022.

Saturated ruby. Pungent, spice-accented cassis, cherry, licorice and floral qualities on the powerfully scented nose. In an ample, weighty style, offering an array of black/blue fruit flavors that pick up a hint of smokiness on the back half. Finishes impressively long and chewy, with mounting tannins and a strong echo of dark fruit preserves.

The 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert showed well, with a floral, pepper, and sappy herb style as well as plenty of darker cherry and currant fruit. With medium to full body, a vibrant, elegant texture, present tannins, and good acidity, this is a classic, balanced Thalabert to hide for 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more.