Pasta with eggplant, chicken, tomatoes and onions:
1999 Gilles Robin, Crozes Hermitage Cuvée Alberic Bouvet:
Probably my sixtieth or so bottle of this wine and it continues to improve and is one of the best syrahs I have tasted; initial funk on the nose that blows off to reveal bottle bouquet based in leather, olive, black pepper and deep red fruit scents; supple in the mouth with considerable complexity, flavors that echo the nose and morph into secondary and tertiary tastes, great acidity and a rounded texture that still seems to retain its focus; long, complex finish. Nearing the end of what I thought was an endless stash and this wine just keeps getting better. 13% alcohol, imported by Eric Solomon and ranged from $9-$20 on release; simply one of the best wines I ever had.
Outstanding with the dish.
Best, Jim