Paul Jaboulet Aîné Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 2018 750ml

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. (Josh Raynolds)

The ripeness and opulence here is 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 center palate. Drinkable now, but better in 2022.

Although the fruit sourcing has changed from the old days, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert remains a solid offering in the Jaboulet lineup. Violets accent blackberries and plums on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, lush and velvety, underscored by doses of salinity and licorice on the lengthy finish.

The 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert comes from deeper, pebbly soils and is a full-bodied, opulent wine. Notes of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, ground pepper, and melted licorice all flow to a full-bodied wine that has tons of baby fat as well as sound underlying structure.

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. (James Molesworth)