Grape Variety: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah.

Growing Region: Rhone, France

Consultant Winemaker: Denis Dubourdieu

TASTING NOTE:
This Cotes du Rhone takes its name from the 45th North parallel which runs 2kms from the cellars of Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine. In the village of Pont de l'Isere, a monument symbolises this line with the inscription: "the South begins here". Their wine has had this name since the beginning of the 1950s.

This wine is made utilizing a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah grapes from 25 year-old vines in hillside terraced and sloped vineyards. The soils are clay, stones, pebbles and argillaceous limestone, which lends depth and complexity to the wine. Made with traditional vinification methods, the wine underwent long vatting and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Yields are kept to 45 hl/ha and the wine will keep for 5 years.

This 2006 is marked by powerful, ripe tannins; rich colours and aromas; noticeable minerality; excellent balance enhanced by prominent acidity; and great overall depth and complexity on the palate. 2006 produced a clear and well-balanced vintage at Jaboulet.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well now plus will develop gracefully over the next 3-5 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with grilled and roasted meats, vegetables, lamb, game, fowl, and beef.

Best Buy - 87 pts - Wine Spectator, March 2008