1999 Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes-Hermitage 'Les Jalets'

Source: Viscount

Consumption Date: 3/4/2012

Notes: Deeply earthy aroma with hints of animal feces (really).  Rich, almost elegant, full body with loads of fruit (mostly black currant and cherry), a broad herbaceous/vegetal character, with a fine, succulent mineral core.  Finishes long with aromatic herbs and spice, a fine fruity richness, and a hint of tar.  Fine to moderate tannin.

As my first Northern Rhone red and practically my first Syrah, this wine has proven to be most interesting.  While the aroma is somewhat off-putting (honestly my first thought was barnyard with dog shit (although it has mellowed somewhat)), the wine itself is surprisingly rich, fruity, and complex.  I am finding certain parallels with Burgundy (aroma, moderate tannin, cherry fruit), but with unique minerality and spiciness and a general flavor profile that I associate with warmer climate wines.  Of course, as my first Northern Rhone/Syrah, I am curious about the effects of vintage, producer, and, especially, age on this wine.  It has some characteristics that I associate with (or assume are related to) bottle age, but I have no idea how these are enhancing or masking the typical Northern Rhone Syrah flavors.  I suspect this wine would have been even better a few years younger.  I will certainly be looking forward to trying more Rhone Syrah’s this month.  I’m a bit worried this could be another region that will rank amongst my favorites (resulting in the desire for more purchasing).  Very good to excellent value.