2005 Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage "Les Jalets"

Nice introductory wine to the northern Rhone, and a testament to the near perfect 2005 vintage. Its got some elements of much more expensive Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, at a fraction of the price. Clear purple. Slate driven aromas, with some firm plums and damp earth. Pepper and cranberry on the palate, and a decent long finish, with some acids making me want the more expensive stuff. Note that I'd suggest looking for the 05 vintage of this wine- the 04 is not in the same league. Retail $22, Grade: A-.