Paul Jaboulet Aine

I start to get a little antsy, and a bit sweaty and then naughty and nasty thoughts of Syrah fill my head.

Paul Jaboulet Aine
1998 “Domaine de Thalabert”
Crozes Hermitage

1998 Paul Jaboulet Aine “Domaine de Thalabert” Crozes-Hermitage
Oh sweet baby, this is the goods. This wine is a full garnet/deep red in color that just lightens up slightly on the edges with distinct and potent aromas of spice and gamey black pepper. A whiff of this should always put a smile on your face. The aromas seem to stick with the spicy first impression but do start to include a bit of ripe berry as you get to your 2nd minute with your nose in the glass.


The ripe red tangy raspberry flavors come across in the mouth and penetrate everywhere. The solid full body of this wine has some muscle and kick, but also shows a more silky mellow side on the finish. The younger ripe flavors of raspberry get fuller as the bottle empties, or as it spends some more time with your tongue. Heavier cassis and some earthy flavors intertwine with the tangy spice and make for an all around good time with this 100% Syrah wine.

The peppery spice is more in the aromas than taste for me, but does play an important part mixing with some of the berry flavors. The “Domaine de Thalabert” vineyard always puts out some good stuff and in an exceptional year like “98” this wine is drinking nicely now but is also ready to lay down in your cellar now for 4-8 years. Let it rest a while and some of the explosive fruit should be waiting for you and will be just a little more mature. This Crozes-Hermitage is coming in at about $22 a bottle.

Back to Paul Jaboulet Aine