Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 2015 (1.5L)

97 JD / 94 VM / 93+ WA / 93 JS 

The finest vintage to date, better even than the stellar 2010, the 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is a gorgeous, deep, layered, and incredibly satisfying Crozes. Blackcurrants, olive tapenade, truffles and earthy notes all emerge from this full-bodied, gorgeously textured and seamless 2015. With fine tannin and no hard edge, it can be drunk today or cellaring for 15-20 years. Jeb Dunnuck 

Inky ruby. Suave, mineral-accented scents of ripe blueberry, black currant and Indian spices, along with a slowly emerging floral component. Plush, broad and deeply concentrated, displaying black and blue fruit, licorice and mocha flavors that are energized by an intense, peppery overtone. Finishes extremely long, fleshy and sweet, delivering intense mineral thrust, a subtle cracked pepper nuance and youthful, building tannins. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

The 2015 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert is a super effort, packed with savory notes of black olives and crushed stones. It's full-bodied and rich, with a hint of cedary oak, but there's plenty of fruit and ripe tannins on the lingering finish. Like some of those fine Thalabert vintages of the past, it should drink well for a couple of decades. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate 

The last vintage named Petit Chappelle (Maison Bleu from 2015), this has a majestic, dark stony nose with orange rind, dark chocolate and toasty eastern spices as well as wild red plum and cherry fruits. The palate has a roundness, fleshiness and flavors of licorice, dark plum and dark cherry fruits. Impressive composure. Drink from 2018 and beyond. - James Suckling