In 1990, Jaboulet produced a stellar Hermitage Thalabert that had Parker proclaiming it was the best since 1978. Then nearly two decades of less than impressive results - the vintages were all scored 90 or below and in 1993, all of the fruit was declassified and no Thalabert was even produced. In the late '90s Gerard Jaboulet passed away. To say that the future looked bleak might be an understatement. The wine world may have forgotten this Northern Rhone producer and the 112 acre Domaine de Thalabert had it not been for Caroline Frey who also does amazing work at La Lagune in Bordeaux.
Her hard work combined with an amazing 2009 resulted in the highest scored Thalabert in history! Parker awarded it 95 points and added "If you have been off the Jaboulet bandwagon over the last decade or so, now is the time to jump back on..." For Syrah lovers, the news couldn't be better - Jaboulet delivers amazing quality for the price.
Having all of this in mind, I quickly grabbed a few bottles of the 2009 Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage Thalabert when I saw them checked into stock here, and I was eager to open the first. If we buy and taste with the eyes first, this wine has it in spades! The color is incredible - a beautiful dark purple that should inspire Crayola to add "Thalabert" as one in the box of 96. It is an inky, rich shade that starts the mouth watering before the first sip hits the palate. The aromas are enough to transport you to a summer day of berry picking with an intensity like sun-warmed black raspberries. The first taste delivers dark fruit and more - spicy, smoky complexity, a silky mouthfeel and lingering personality. It is a wine that begs to be remembered, and it is no wonder we finished the bottle on a "school night"!
My advice? Grab a few for your cellar. The 2009 is truly the new beginning of Jaboulet traditions and a rise in quality. With Caroline Frey at the reins, there is certainly more to come but we will be able to say we witnessed the rebirth of this amazing property and for just $49.95 a bottle! I am thankful that a few remain in my cellar to enjoy with family and friends all winter long.