Monday, October 17, 2005

Paul Jaboulet Aine

Antoine Jaboulet founded the Jaboulet Company in 1807. It was expanded by his twin sons, Paul and Henri in the mid to late 1800's, but the company is named for the oldest son, Paul. Today, the company is run by a team of descendants of the original founders. Jaboulet wines are served in the finest restaurants, and 65% of their production is exported to more than 70 countries worldwide.

The original cellars of Tain l'Hermitage are still in use, although 1996 saw the addition of new thermo regulated stainless steel tanks, for vinification, maturation and ageing of wines in oak casks.

In 1992, the Jaboulet family acquired some caves on the banks of the Isere river, which runs into the Rhone. These natural caves are the perfect temperature and humidity for ageing and keeping wines, thus increasing considerably the storage capacity of Paul Jaboulet Aine by several million bottles, and increasing their ability to provide excellent wines.

Hermitage La Chapelle

This is considered to be one of the best wines in the world. Jaboulet's Hermitage La Chapelle made completely of Syrah grapes, from vines that average 40 years in age. With a mixture of complexity and finesse, the ageing is 15 months in oak casks.

Vintage 2000 is a good medium ruby color. Intensely flavored, this wine is highly aromatic on the mouth, balanced and finishes with a smooth nicely buffered tannin. Other excellent vintages include 1998 and 1999.

Cornas

Paul Jaboulet Aine's Cornas is an excellent Syrah. Intensely flavored, with ripe but cool aromas of berry, this wine has good finish and excellent tannins. Good vintages include 1996, 1997 and 2000. This wine presents a good value and is an excellent complement to beef dishes, stews and hardy soups.

Cote Rotie Les Jumelles

Jaboulet's Cote Rotie Les Jumelles is a medium red wine, on the dry side with a pleasant tartness. With aromas of red fruits, it is long lasting and delicious. Firm tannins and intense flavor make this an excellent variety. Try vintages from 1995, 1997 and 2002 for good satisfaction and an excellent value.

Chateauneuf du Pape les Cedres, Rouge

Full bodied, spicy with an aroma of roasted almonds and red fruit, this wine is recommended for dinners of roasted beef. With a beautiful ruby color the Jaboulet's Chateauneuf du Pape les Cedres is lush and smooth. Particularly nice representations of this wine are vintages 1998, 1985 and 1966.

Jaboulet's Chateauneuf du Pape les Cedres, Blanc

This is a nice white primarily from Grenache with a small amount of Picardan. Not too sweet, but with a bouquet of honeysuckle, this is a lovely complement to any white meat. Vintage 2003.

Cotes du Rhone Parallel 45

A great blend of Syrah and Grenache Noir, Jaboulet's Cotes du Rhone Parallel 45 Rouge, is a delicious dry red. Vintage 2000 is characterized by a liqueur-like aroma of red fruits and milk chocolate. 1999 is smooth and supple with a spicy character, but less deep and complex than the 2000. 1998 has a good structure, note of cinnamon and deep fruit.

Cotes du Rhone Parallel 45 blanc is produced from Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Bourboulenc grapes. Clear yellow with a tinge of green, this is a fresh and fruity wine that goes great with fish and poultry. A light, dry white wine. Available in vintages from 1945 and 200
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