1995 Cotes du Rhone Parallele 45

Jaboulet's 1995 southern reds offer plenty about which to get excited, particularly some of the value-priced wines from less prestigious appellations. Readers looking to stock up on a gutsy, medium to full-bodied, delicious red wine should check out the 1995 Cotes du Rhone Parallele 45. The color is deep purple, and the wine reveals plenty of peppery, black-raspberry, cassis, and cherry fruit, surprising density, medium to full body, a velvety texture, and a long, heady finish. Interestingly, much of this cuvee is Syrah, which the Jaboulets believe was incredibly successful in the 1995 vintage in the southern Rhone. This is an outstanding bargain. It will last for a decade. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700