Grape Variety: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah

Growing Region: Rhone Valley, France

Chief Winemaker: Caroline Frey

TASTING NOTE:
Jaboulet Parallele 45 is the Cotes du Rhone wine that built the reputation of the Rhone as the region producing the greatest values in fine French wine. This wine takes its name from the 45th North parallel which runs 2kms from the cellars of Paul Jaboulet - their wine has had this name since the early 1950s. The Jaboulet P45 competes with other red wines from France, Italy, Spain and the 'new world' and justifies its reputation as France's greatest value red wine year after year.

Jaboulet Parallele 45 is a blend of Grenache and Syrah from vines averaging 30 years old. Sourced from sustainable vineyards throughout the Rhone valley - after hand harvesting, the grapes arrive at the winery and are sorted and vinified in stainless steel tank for 3 to 4 weeks to extract colour, character and flavour, followed by 3-6 months developing in tank before bottling. Their aim is to retain freshness and balance while producing a full flavoured and food friendly wine.

In the glass the wine has rich colour with an attractive brilliance. The 2009 Parallele 45 is a fresh, berry fruit driven red with loads of soft, ripe plum and blackberry flavours mingling with herbs, white pepper and spice. The palate has a good mouth feel with well-structured, rounded tannins, balancing the forward fruits and giving the wine a pleasing finish. Decant for 20mins and serve at 17C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this season, and will age for another 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with BBQ meats, a wide range of pasta dishes, pizza and hard cheeses, enjoy.

One of the world's most respected, early drinking red wines.