2023 Crozes Hermitage Thalabert

The 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert wasn’t produced due to severe hail damage to the vineyard.

Due to the hailstorm in July, there are only a couple hundred cases of the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Thalabert. It's not as concentrated as the 2022, but it has a beautiful, medium-bodied style, classic black raspberry and darker berry fruits, some spice, pepper, and floral nuances, nicely integrated oak, and ripe tannins. I think it will easily be an outstanding wine. It is always a great tasting with Caroline Frey at Paul Jaboulet Aîné, and the wines showed beautifully across the board. The style here continues to emphasize purity and freshness, with a focus on vibrancy and precision. Starting with the 2021 vintage, the Hermitage La Chapelle wines were split off under the new Domaine de la Chapelle label and brand, marking a major step for the Frey family in differentiating the brands. Paul Jaboulet Aîné continues to produce a strong lineup across the Northern Rhône, including Condrieu Les Grands Amandiers, Crozes-Hermitage Thalabert and Domaine de Roure, Saint Joseph La Croix des Vignes, Côte Rôtie Les Pierrelles, and Cornas Domaine de Saint Pierre. The newer Cornas Reynard cuvée, first made in 2020, continues to impress. Hermitage La Maison Bleue rounds out the range.