Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert, Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine 2012

Magnum. The most memorable red of the many wines served at the launch of my glassware in New York. Just perfect already with ripeness but the savour of a true Crozes. Aged in small oak apparently but it seemed to have worked in this case.

Inky ruby. Displays lively, spice-tinged black raspberry and cherry aromas, with notes of fresh flowers and minerals adding lift. Seamless and precise on the palate, offering nervy red and dark berry flavors plus hints of licorice and cola. In a lively, elegant style, finishing with strong cut, supple tannins and a lingering note of candied flowers. Drink between 2016-2042.

A rich, structured Crozes Hermitage, Jaboulet’s 2012 Domaine de Thalabert offers first-rate notes of blackcurrants, peppery herbs, leather, black olive and scorched earth. Aged 12 months in 20% new French oak, it’s medium-bodied, juicy and balanced, with enough underlying depth and structure to keep it evolving nicely through 2023.

The Jaboulets need little introduction, being as they are one of the leading winemaking families in this small part of the world. This Crozes-Hermitage has structure and breadth thanks to 12 months spent in new French oak. The palate features dense, juicy black fruit and cassis with spices on the finish. The acidity is well balanced, making this surprisingly easy to drink on its own, but it's better with a stew or grilled red meats. Drink 2016-2022.