Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Crozes-Hermitage Mule Noire - 2019

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Crozes-Hermitage Mule Noire 2019

Jaboulet's négociant Crozes, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage les Jalets isn't quite as dark as the Domaine de Thalabert bottling, but it's still plenty purple. Scents of violets, licorice and cracked pepper accent blueberry and cassis fruit, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, silky and supple, ending with a gentle rush of soft tannins. Especially given the hail damage inflicted on the appellation in June, it's a noteworthy effort.

Joe Czerwinski, May 2021