A Tremendous Shyraz At Great Value

Next time you are having a nice roast, some stew, maybe game or anything on the robust, earthy side, consider a Shyraz from the Rhone region in France. One of my favorites is the brilliant Crozes-Hermitage, 2003 Domaine Thalabert by Paul Jaboulet Aine. This Shyraz boasts a deep purple hue as well as gorgeous aromas of tapenade, blackberries, cherries, incense, and licorice. Voluptuous and full-bodied, with low acidity, ripe tannin, and gobs of fruit and glycerin, it should be consumed over the next 10-15 years. (Robert Parker 90 points)