Paul Jaboulet Domaine Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage, 1996

Even though it is now 29 years old, I had no hesitation opening a bottle of the 1996 Domaine Thalabert Crozes Hermitage. Thalaberts from the 1980s and early 1990s in my cellar have demonstrated the ageworthiness of this estate and this vineyard.

Cork is long and shows only a tiny line of red at the lower end. Medium dark ruby, clear and bright. Has the Thalabert profile and personality. Black currants, cassis, leather. Ripe, almost lush but with characteristic intensity and acidity. Long, complex Thalabert finish. Probably not as good nor as ageworthy as Thalaberts from the 1980s or early 1990s but still very good.