Jaboulet is a huge wine producer from the Rhone region.  They are best known for their ultra-premium (and ultra-expensive) Hermigae La Chapelle, and their bargain basement Parallele 45 Cotes du Rhone.  Many people, however,  are unaware that they also make a very nice Chataneuf du Pape.

2001 was a great year in the southern Rhone valley where Chataneuf du Pape is located.  Most of the wines I have had from this region from the 2001 vintage have been excellent.  The Jaboulet Les Cedres Chateauneuf is no exception.  The wine is 70% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mouvedre.  The wine is not as "gamey" as some of the more robust Chateauneufs, but exhibits all the tell-tale signs of this region.  The nose is earthy and herbal, with a little bit of spicy pepper.  The wine tastes like it has more than 10% Syrah.  On the palate the wine has a robust red fruit note, with subtle hints of plum and blackberry.  The tannins in this wine are relatively soft for a chataneuf.  The finish is smooth, but not terribly long.  The soft tannins are such that the wine drinks nicely now, and there is no need for further aging.  The wine usually sells in the 30-something dollar range

3.25 stars