1990 Paul Jaboulet Aine Vacqueyras

Paul Jaboulet Aine is perhaps the world’s best-known maker of Rhone Valley wines. Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet, the estate was family owned and operated until 2006, when it was purchased by the Swiss financier Jacques Frey, who also owns chateaux in Bordeaux and Champagne. Today the 282-acre estate is based in the appellation of Hermitage and makes a long list of wines, starting with its flagship Hermitage La Chapelle, made of Syrah from 40-60 year-old vines. Jaboulet also makes red and white Crozes Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape, white Condrieu and Cornas. Besides Syrah, the estate has vineyards of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne.

Vacqueyras AOC is in the Southern Rhone Valley and runs along the banks of the Ouvèze River. It received its appellation status 1990, having been part of the AOC Côtes du Rhone appellation since 1937. Some 97 percent of the wine made in Vacqueyras is red, and like its neighbor to the north, Gigondas, Vacqueyras is known for its powerful wines. There are 3,200 vineyard acres planted to Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette and Bourbolenc. Vacqueyras reds are dark, spicy, tannic and considered good for aging.