Recently Tasted

I've had 2 good rosés so far this season... Otherwise, the rosés are notable for a lack of fruit and acidity.

CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION SYRAH ROSÉ 2009, AC Luberon (France); #707281; Price: $14.95; 13.0% ABV

The best rosé of a (so far) disappointing season. A blend of Syrah and Grenache, using the Saignée method. Red currant and rhubarb aromas, with some floral notes. Same red fruits on the palate, with a good peppery bite. Medium-bodied, good, refreshing acidity, which is a must-have for rosé.




MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2009, VQA Niagara Escarpment (Ontario); #559088; Price: $15.95; 12.5% ABV
A blend of Cabernet Franc (86%), Gamay (11.5%), and Pinot Noir (2.5%). I tasted this one twice. Initially disappointing, I had to give it a second chance because it’s been good in previous years. Better second time around: Bright medium pink in colour, it had a cough syrup aroma that blows off. Rhubarb compote, cranberry, watermelon, red currant, bit of strawberry and floral. Nice tangy-tart acidity, with flavours of watermelon, red currant and then the rhubarb at the back end.

A good white and a good red...

DOMAINE LECOMTE QUINCY 2008, AC Quincy (France); #172528; Price: $18.95; 13.5% ABV

Ah, Sauvignon Blanc from its traditional home. This shows up many New Zealand efforts. Aromas of lemon-lime zest, cutgrass and hay, wet stone minerality, some tangerine and white grapefruit, with an undertone of papaya and red apple. Medium-high acidity, with lime, tangerine, and white grapefruit on the palate. Medium-bodied, it has great acidity that rounds off a bit, so it may be in a transition as it ages.

CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES 2007, AC Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun (Languedoc, France); #155804; Price: $16.95; 14.2% ABV

Deep ruby with lots of aromas:  blackberry, black cherry, bit of prune, dried herbs, leather and smoke, anise and pepper.  Good acidity and chalky tannins that provide structure for the blackbbery, cherry, pepper and leather (yes, leather) flavours.  Full-bodied with moderate length.  Good value.  Try it with ribs on the BBQ.

Here are other recent tastings that just haven’t impressed me at all.

DOMAINE DU PETIT COTEAU LES GRENOUILLES SEC VOUVRAY 2008, AC Vouvray, France; #106815; Price: $16.95; 13.0% ABV

Made from Chenin Blanc. Oxydized aromas of spoiled apples and wet cardboard that overwhelm the quince aroma.  Abrupt change on the palate with lemon-lime and tangy acidity.  Long finish...but hold your nose.

MAS BELLES EAUX COLLECTION LANGUEDOC ROSÉ 2009; Vin de Pays D’Oc (France); #117358; Price: $13.95; 13.5% ABV

Just not much here in aromas or flavours.

CASA DO VALLE VINHO VERDE ROSÉ 2009, DOC Vinho Verde (Portugal); #167478; Price: $11.95; 12.5% ABV

Deep pink.  Aromas of red currant, strawberry and roses.  Bitter, stemmy, under-ripe flavours on the palate.  Spritzy too.  Weird.

MARQUÉS DE VALCARLOS ROSADO 2009, DO Navarra; #167239; Price: $11.95; 12.9% ABV

A blend of Tempranillo and Merlot. Lacks fruit.

Subscribing to this blog through RSS or email is easy! Just click on the subscribe link to the left ←