Crozes-Hermitage From Historic Estate

"Since Caroline Frey took over the historic estate of Jaboulet and brought on winemaker Jacques Desvernois (from Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape), the wines have slowly returned to the glory days of the 70s and 80s, possibly even surpassing the quality of the 2015 vintage. I feel I can now say with confidence that Jaboulet is back and better than ever! Don’t just take my word for it, the 2019 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert earned a glowing 92 - 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who says ‘this is a classic, balanced Thalabert.’ This is their benchmark Crozes-Hermitage, from the first vineyard purchased by Paul Jaboulet in 1834, and the oldest vineyard in the appellation. We are thrilled to have gotten more of this wine and the price, under $32, for a benchmark wine of this caliber is amazing!

Along with that, we must have been very good, because we also received a bit more of the highly allocated 98 point 2019 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage la Chapelle. This is the wine you need to hide in the back of your cellar for a few years! These wines should fly out the door, so forget whatever you’re doing and snap some up, for yourself or the wine lover in your life! You don’t want to miss out on these gorgeous wines. Domaine de Thalabert is a wine you can drink now, and the La Chapelle is the one to cellar and enjoy for years to come." – Jim Knight, The Wine House

Check out our CLOSEOUT wines on our website! Quantities are limited to current stock and new closeout wines are added regularly!

NOTE: Our store is open between 11AM and 6PM. When placing your order, you can select “in-store pickup” or “curbside pickup.” Please see updated curbside pickup instructions below.

NOTE! For orders over $250, we offer Special Local Delivery
Monday - Friday to addresses up to 10 miles from the store for $15/case. Additional delivery options are also available on our website.

93 Points: “Seemingly refined by the additional elevage since I reviewed a barrel sample last year, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert remains a big, rich, dark-fruited and almost tarry effort, but this full-bodied wine is pleasantly velvety and marked by savory notes of scorched wood and black olive tapenade that linger on the finish. Drink date 2023 – 2035.” – Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (January 2022)

92 – 94 Points: “The 2019 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert showed well, with a floral, pepper, and sappy herb style as well as plenty of darker cherry and currant fruit. With medium to full body, a vibrant, elegant texture, present tannins, and good acidity, this is a classic, balanced Thalabert to hide for 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. Maturity 2022 – 2034.” – Jeb Dunnuck (November 2020)

92 Points: “This is very ripe with warm richness. It’s full-bodied and layered with round, chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but already opulent and attractive, in a bigger style. Try after 2023.” – James Suckling (June 2021)

FROM THE IMPORTER

This is the first ever vineyard owned by Paul Jaboulet – purchased in 1834. It also holds the distinction as the oldest vineyard of the appellation. This wine is considered to be the benchmark for Crozes-Hermitages, with the ability to age for decades.

Vineyard: 60-80 year old vines
Farming Practice: Biodynamically farmed
Soil: Vines grown on pebbly terraces that are glacial in origin, with the bedrock close to the topsoil. These small, round pebbles store heat during the day and release it at night, providing optimum and regular maturity.
Maturation: Aged in French oak, 20% new

About Paul Jaboulet Aîné

In 1834, a full 100 years before the introduction of the A.O.C. system, Antoine Jaboulet began to transform a sleepy region into one of the most important quality winegrowing terroirs in the world. Since that time, Paul Jaboulet Aîné has become the benchmark in the Northern Rhône, with the iconic Hermitage ‘La Chapelle’ being responsible for some of the greatest wines ever produced. Ten years ago, the Frey family purchased this historic property and committed tremendous effort and resources to improve upon the already legendary estate. They immediately started converting the estate vineyards to biodynamic principals and encouraging sustainable practices from every family grower they work with. With each successive vintage the purifying effects of these natural agricultural improvements can be felt and tasted. This is one of France’s finest estates, the crown jewel of the Rhône Valley. Oenologist and proprietor Caroline Frey, alongside Winemaking Director Jacques Desvernois, are producing the authentic standard for quality Syrah across the Northern Rhône.

98 Points: “Last year, I giddily speculated whether the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle would warrant a 100-point score. While close—and I wouldn't completely discount it reaching that pinnacle in another decade or two—I'm not sure this wine is as good as I thought. It boasts exciting aromas of roasted meat, mocha, crushed stone, plum and cassis on the nose. It's full-bodied, concentrated, richly tannic and velvety in texture. It's long and complex on the finish, adding hints of cracked pepper and salted licorice. And yet, as much as I enjoyed tasting it and as undeniably great it is, angels didn't sing from the heavens. Maybe next bottle. Drink dates 2025 – 2045.” – Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (January 2022)

95 Points: “The 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle isn’t going to match recent vintages, yet it’s unquestionably a beautiful wine. It’s also the first vintage where the estate has utilized concrete tanks for part of the aging as well, and it was brought up mostly in used barrels, with 15-20% new, and 10% in concrete. Its deep purple hue is followed by a concentrated, powerful, full-bodied effort that has impressive mid-palate depth as well as classic Hermitage notes of graphite, blackberries, cured meats, chocolate, and beautiful minerality. It stays tight and compact on the palate, with beautiful ripeness and enough tannins to warrant 5-6 years of bottle age.” – Jeb Dunnuck (February 2022)

95 Points: “A big, rich wine with intense fruit, showing blackberry, black olive and black truffle character. Full-bodied and layered with chewy tannins that are soft and juicy. It’s a little warm on the finish. Yet, the decadence is so attractive and the phenolics keep it in line. This is very solid. Try after 2024.” – James Suckling (June 2021)

About Paul Jaboulet Aîné

In 1834, a full 100 years before the introduction of the A.O.C. system, Antoine Jaboulet began to transform a sleepy region into one of the most important quality winegrowing terroirs in the world. Since that time, Paul Jaboulet Aîné has become the benchmark in the Northern Rhône, with the iconic Hermitage ‘La Chapelle’ being responsible for some of the greatest wines ever produced. Ten years ago, the Frey family purchased this historic property and committed tremendous effort and resources to improve upon the already legendary estate. They immediately started converting the estate vineyards to biodynamic principals and encouraging sustainable practices from every family grower they work with. With each successive vintage the purifying effects of these natural agricultural improvements can be felt and tasted. This is one of France’s finest estates, the crown jewel of the Rhône Valley. Oenologist and proprietor Caroline Frey, alongside Winemaking Director Jacques Desvernois, are producing the authentic standard for quality Syrah across the Northern Rhône.

UPDATED CURBSIDE PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS (AUGUST 2021):

1. Place your online order, select “curbside pickup” and the date you wish to pick up your order. You will receive several emails. The first will acknowledge receipt of your order, another will let you know that your order is ready for curbside pickup.

2. When your order is ready for curbside pickup, it will be at the front of the store. IMPORTANT! Due to space constraints, orders will only be held in the front of the store for curbside pickup for 3 days. After 3 days, they will be moved back to Will Call by the Customer Service Desk inside the store.

3. When picking up, pull up in front of the store. There is no need to call when you arrive at the store – just roll down your passenger window and let us know the name on the order. We will put your order in your vehicle. There is no need to step out of your vehicle.