When it comes to Crozes-Hermitage, there is ‘Crozes-Hermitage’ and then there is Domaine de Thalabert from Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Always a benchmark of the appellation, the wine is always capable of long-term ageing. Indeed, from great vintages many would confuse this for a much rarer and expensive appellation, and so at £32 a bottle retail, it offers incredible value for money.

The latest 2022 vintage release numbers among some of the estate’s greatest vintages. Stuart Piggott writing for James Suckling has written that the new release “is the best vintage of Domaine de Thalabert in more than a decade and a rival to the legendary 1978.” Awarding the wine 95 points he concludes “This proves that Crozes-Hermitage can be a truly great wine.” Critic Jeb Dunnuck, when tasting from barrel, awarded it 92-94 points commenting “I love its overall sense of balance and elegance, and it has good concentration as well as ripe tannins. It actually reminds me slightly of the 1990 (which is absolutely brilliant today).”

Whether this is more like the 1990 or the 1978, this is without doubt an essential Thalabert for any Rhône-lover’s cellar. Don’t miss out on this legendary new release.