Jaboulet's "Les Galets"

[Scoop]

It must seem like I'm stuck in 1998 Rhone, but it's an interesting vintage. And a great bargain is the 1998 Paul Jaboulet Aine's "Les Galets" ("The pudding stones") Croze-Hermitage.

It's 100% Syrah, dark ruby, with a great spicy, black-fruit nose. Great balance, soft tannins and a nice palate of briar fruit, pepper and earthy undertones. A classic Rhone! And it can be enjoyed right now (for $10.99), unlike some wines from the very concentrated 1998 vintage. It was marvelous -- no, perfect -- with a grilled chili-rubbed top sirloin strip and roasted autumnal veggies (carrots, parsnips, red onion and baby yukon golds, set off with some fresh tarragon).

Cheers,

Scoop