Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 1999

Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 1999: A glorious red-black colour when poured, quite deep and intense. The nose is full of rich Syrah character, with summer berry and cherry fruit character, chocolate and spice. There is fine structure on the palate, which is full bodied, with a strong, full, sweet texture, and good acidity for balance. The tannins, although ripe and chewy, are very accessible, and this wine is drinking surprisingly well now. Nevertheless, it is packed with primary fruit and pepper flavours, and will doubtless improve with time in bottle. 16.5+/20 (12/7/02)