Paul Jaboulet, one of the premiere Hermitage producers, is known for the iconic Hermitage red, La Chappelle.

If you are not ready to invest $300 per bottle for Jaboulet's Hermitage, we strongly suggest you grab some of Jaboulet's stunning Crozes-Hermitage, Domaine de Thalabert.

The Crozes-Hermitage region sits at the base of the famous Hermitage slopes, both Syrah wine regions.

Crozes-Hermitage wines are normally considered a "Baby Hermitage." But, in an outstanding vintage like 2015, this wine is no baby! 

"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 edges, it can be drunk today or cellaring for 15-20 years."  Jeb Dunnuck

Besides sitting directly below the aforementioned La Chappelle vineyard, we were taken by the wine's sun-baked earth, dried bramble, cassis, dark berry, black olives, and flinty mineral-driven undertones. 

Layered and luscious at eight years of age, the 2015 Domaine de Thalabert is a riveting red - one of the vintage's best.  

Purchased in 1834, Domaine de Thalabert is the oldest vineyard of the appellation. 

It is considered the benchmark for Crozes-Hermitage.

Enjoy it now and over the next decade.

Drink or hold?  We recommend both!