Paul Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert, 1985

Paul Jaboulet's Domaine de Thalabert wines from the 1980s were some of the earliest treasures in my cellar, and they continue to delight. The 1983 and 1990 are very strong wines, produced in great vintages.  I did not expect as much from 1985,  but I am getting it.

Brickish tones but surprisingly deep and dark for a wine nearing its 40th birthday. Beautiful Thalabert smells from the time the cork is popped. Black fruits, cured meats, black olives and iron. Smooth and fully developed on the palate with amazingly preserved fruit and a haunting finish. Probably not as ripe as the 1983 or the 1990 Thalaberts but with greater freshness and acidity. It ranks very high on my all-time list of best Syrah wines.