Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Domaine de Thalabert 2020

The 2020 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert seems to have put on weight since last tasted from barrel, improving with its élevage. Faint herbal notions and a bit of crushed stone accent black cherries on the nose. In the mouth, this wine is full-bodied, ripe and round, with supple tannins and a long, velvety finish. It's evolved into a really solid example of the cuvée, with a slightly baked-fruit character, but it works.

The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is terrific as well. Coming from old vines in the Chassis region, it has a darker ruby/purple hue as well as classic Thalabert black and blue fruits, black olive, smoke, and ground pepper. Medium to full-bodied, it offers fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It will evolve for over two decades.

It offers better character and more emotion than Mule Blanche in white; here we find the Syrah from the Châssis area, with a juicy palate, flavors of dark fruits and violet, and a taut, well-balanced finish.