Paul Jaboulet Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage, 1989

At first taste, this wine is remarkably similar to the Mount Langi Ghiran Shiraz below. Actually, that's not all that remarkable since both come from 1989 Syrah grapes and are made in a similar style--fruit oriented but not fruit bombs.

The appearance is similar: deep, dark ruby with significant crusting on one side of the bottle. The smells and flavors are also similar: red and black fruits, cassis and a hint of black olives. The Jaboulet Crozes is much less aromatic, however, and there is a smell of juniper berries that my wife considers offputting. Many Thalaberts from the 1980s have this juniper berry note, and I believe it comes from the seasoned barrels used at the estate during this time. On the palate, it's initially richer and fuller than the Langi with black olives more apparent. It's also more acidic. Over time, though, it fades, and, on the second night, it's not nearly as enjoyable. This wine is a bit old for its years, and it's still my least favorite Thalabert of the 1980s.