Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Domaine de Thalabert 2016

Tasting notes and advice for Paul Jaboulet-Aîné Domaine de Thalabert 2016

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a beautiful ruby hue with purplish highlights.

Nose
Elegant and complex, the nose opens on notes of small red berries, notably redcurrant, accompanied by fresh mineral nuances. Floral aromas of violet add a delicate, fragrant dimension, while subtle touches of licorice round out the bouquet harmoniously.

Palate
Generous and indulgent, the palate reveals a lovely concentration of red fruit supported by a pleasant freshness. Velvety, ripe tannins lend a silky texture on the palate. The finish stands out for its finesse and persistence, leaving an impression of balance and elegance.

Food and wine pairings
This Crozes-Hermitage 2016 is a perfect match for saucisson brioche, bavette steak with shallots, or a rib steak with green peppers. It also pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, game birds, or Mediterranean dishes with aromatic herbs.

Serving and cellaring
This Crozes-Hermitage 2016 can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few years to allow it to develop. It is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

An elegant, generous Crozes-Hermitage

The estate
Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet, the Paul Jaboulet-Aîné House is among the most prestigious institutions of the Northern Rhône Valley. Based in Tain l'Hermitage, it now oversees a vineyard of around 114 hectares across the region’s finest appellations. Acquired in 2006 by Jean-Jacques Frey, the estate underwent a profound transformation under the leadership of Caroline Frey, who guided the entire domaine toward certified biodynamics in 2021. Since July 2025, Delphine Frey Prost has managed the estate alongside her father, perpetuating the family’s commitment to excellence and respect for terroirs. The House is especially renowned for its iconic Hermitage La Chapelle cuvée, a global benchmark for Syrah.

The vineyard
This Crozes-Hermitage comes from the lieu-dit Les Jalets, located on the Chassis terraces in the commune of Mercurol. This terroir takes its name from the rounded pebbles that dot the soil, a legacy of Alpine glaciations. These stones play an essential thermal role by storing daytime heat and releasing it at night, thereby promoting optimal grape ripening. The vines have been farmed under certified organic agriculture since 2016, with a biodynamic approach implemented progressively. The steep terraces require hand harvesting and meticulous attention at every stage of cultivation.

The vintage
The 2016 vintage in the Northern Rhône was marked by a wet spring followed by hail episodes in early June that reduced yields. From July through September, warm, sunny conditions allowed excellent grape ripening. A prolonged Indian summer in October completed the growing cycle, delivering remarkable balance between ripeness and freshness. This vintage produced wines that precisely express their terroirs while retaining fine energy.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes for this Crozes-Hermitage 2016 were vinified using the House’s fruit-respectful methods. Aging was carried out with a moderate use of oak barrels, favoring the preservation of fruity aromas and the mineral character typical of the Les Jalets terroir. The aging philosophy aims to craft elegant, balanced wines rather than expressions dominated by oak.

Grape variety
100% Syrah