One of the delights to working within the wine trade is to talk to so many people about the wines they love and sometimes, the wines they have reservations about. Reservations because ” my friend asked me to try this ………wine, but I am not sure because………….. Well the answer to this is to take the plunge, and take a gamble because you may enjoy what has been recommended to you.
Another delight is being able to taste the many wines that are sent out, some from regions that are familiar and others from areas that are perhaps not so well known.
I tasted this wine the other day and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoy French wines anyway and when I had the chance to taste this one, I took it.
The wine I had with friends was a wonderful Crozes Hermitage from the Northern Rhone. I was looking for a wine in my wine rack and had completely forgotten I had this wonderful 2013 vintage Domaine de Thalabert from paul Jaboulet Aîné.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné is an iconic estate in the Rhône Valley. Since 1834, they have built a reputation for excellence on the finest terroirs in the northern Rhône Valley. This area is the birthplace of the Syrah grape, and it can be argued that none do it better. The family loves organic farming, which completely bans synthetic products and herbicides, biodynamic viticulture adds another dimension to their wines. It considers the vine in its overall environment, taking into account the life of the soil, biodiversity (the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable) and the influence of the moon, while using plant-based remedies to help the vine prevent and combat certain diseases. And all this care and attention results in delicious wines. Made with 100% Syrah, this is complex and full bodied, with concentrated notes of black and blue fruits, spices and black olives. Enjoy this with roast lamb.
Priestly Palate 