Something we never talk about is what goes on behind the scenes. As you might imagine, doing emails and prearrivals involves a lot more accounting than just selling the wine and having someone carry out the door. We have to keep track of the stock while its here. We’re pretty on top of it but, being human, there are occasional mistakes. Not often, mind you, but it can happen. In this particular instance, it was a fabulous bit of good fortune. What if, after doing our due diligence, we found we had ‘leftovers’ of one of the greatest Crozes Hermitages ever made.
We did three shots offering the Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage Domaine Thalabert 2015, arguably the best example yet from this legendary series that is also a house favorite from a historical perspective, with great success. We can’t explain exactly how we miscounted, but we’re sure the numbers are correct to which we are happy to say “woohoo!”.
From top, specific parcels in this fairly large estate, from 40-60+ year old Syrah vines, it resembles a kinder, gentler Hermitage. At present, the nose of blackberries and spice soar from the glass, that same redolent blackberry fruit character rolling across the palate with highlights of olive, pepper, and some smoked meat. It is a notable effort in a storied history. There’s plenty going on right out of the gate and the wine grows from there.
Jeb Dunnuck’s review encapsulates our feelings, “The finest vintage to date, better even than the stellar 2010, the 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is a gorgeous, deep, layered, and incredibly satisfying Crozes. Blackcurrants, olive tapenade, truffles and earthy notes all emerge from this full-bodied, gorgeously textured and seamless 2015. With fine tannin and no hard edges, it can be drunk today or cellaring for 15-20 years…97 points”
You would be remiss without a few bottles of this living legend in your cellar. If you have some, you likely need more. If you don’t, this is a must. This is a special bottle in a special vintage and an exceptional effort from both a historic and hedonistic perspective. As usual, quantities are finite.