For almost two centuries, the Jaboulet family has shared a common passion for the Rhone Valley, its history, its terroir, its exceptional people and wines.

In 1834, Antoine Jaboulet started working the land on the hills of Hermitage. Through his hard work and passion, he was able to produce a wine of exceptional quality. The business was passed on to his sons Henri and Paul, with the latter later giving his name to the company.

Since then, the generations have continued to succeed one another until in January 2006, the Frey family, longstanding winemakers in Champagne and owners of Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux, acquired Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine thus adding to its portfolio of prestigious names.

The company’s hundred or so hectares of vineyards are tended with the greatest possible care. The wide diversity of terroirs and the influence of micro-climates favor the production of Syrah, the principal variety and the sole red grape, while Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier are used for the white wines.

Jaboulet wines represent generations of hard work and a passion for excellence and these values are adhered to by an unswerving commitment to improving vineyards, and through strategic acquisitions and work in the cellars, while respecting the environment at the same time.

The Crozes Hermitage vineyard is the largest of all the northern Rhone Valley Appellations. It extends over 11 communes situated in the Drome, on the left bank of the Rhone. The Domaine de Thalabert has belonged to the Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine since 1834. It is situated on the plain, and is the oldest in the Appellation.

This estate of around 40 ha is located on a pebbly plain that is glacial in origin. These small, round pebbles store heat during the day and release it at night, providing optimum maturity.

The wine is made of Syrah from vines aged 40 to 60 years. The grapes from the Thalabert estate are carefully sorted, meticulously vinified using traditional methods, and traditionally aged in wood for 12 months in the ancient “Vineum” cellar.

The wine has a deep ruby color, limpid and bright. It is intense, complex and aromatic with a blend of red berries and animal notes. On the palate are powerful, fine, and noble tannins. The finish is full and well-balanced.

The 2020 Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes Hermitage Thalabert is a Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France. This red wine, closed with a cork and containing 14.0% alcohol, has garnered high praise from several professional reviewers, each highlighting different aspects of its complexity and potential for aging.

Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine a score of 93, noting its origin from old vines in the Chassis region. He describes it as having "a darker ruby/purple hue as well as classic Thalabert black and blue fruits, black olive, smoke, and ground pepper." Dunnuck finds it medium to full-bodied with "fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish," suggesting it will evolve for over two decades (jebdunnuck.com, 12/15/2022).

Vinous, represented by Josh Raynolds, gave the wine a slightly higher score of 94 points. Raynolds praises its "shimmering ruby" color and "expressive, spice-accented red and dark berry aromas complemented by suggestions of olive, espresso and candied flowers." He describes the palate as "juicy and energetic," with flavors of cherry and cassis deepening through the back half. The finish is "very long, spicy and smooth, with even tannins lending final grip" (vinous.com, 12/22/2022).

James Suckling also scored the wine 93 points, calling it a "charismatic Crozes-Hermitage with tons of black-plum fruit, as well as hot-asphalt and cocoa-powder notes." Suckling highlights its bold and tightly knit tannin structure, which, despite its youth, makes it "remarkably open for its young age." He believes it will be drinkable from release, thanks to its "forthright fruit" and a long, moderately dry finish (jamessuckling.com, 3/15/2022).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through Joe Czerwinski, echoes the high praise with another 93 points. Czerwinski notes that the wine has "put on weight since last tasted from barrel," improving with its aging process. He identifies "faint herbal notions and a bit of crushed stone accent black cherries on the nose." The mouthfeel is described as "full-bodied, ripe and round, with supple tannins and a long, velvety finish," making it a solid example of the cuvée (wineadvocate.com, 5/16/2024).

In summary, the 2020 Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes Hermitage Thalabert is a highly regarded Syrah, praised for its complex flavor profile, potential for aging, and overall balance.