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

[Innkeeper]

We have a bottle, we think. Ours says "Les Jalets." It was recently presented by a friend who was a house guests. If it is the same thing, we are looking forward to trying it was a lamb steak very soon.

Also put in an order for half a case of 1998 Domaine de Cabasse Sablet, Cotes du Rhone Villages, Les Deux Anges; with www.wine.com this morning. All kinds of great wines at great prices from that vintage, and the 1999 is rumored to be even better!

[Scoop]

You're right IK -- "Jalets" it is.

I was in the south of France in Fall 1999, so I'm looking forward to that vintage as well!

Cheers,

Scoop