TNs: Eclectic Rosé Tasting (Tempier, Rouët, Gaia, Etude)

WINE TALK
1

ROSÉ TASTING - Beltramo’s in Menlo Park, California (7/18/2009)


This was an eclectic and broad array of rosés at Beltramo’s Saturday tasting. Almost all were 2008s. Between this tasting and a number of other rosés I’ve tried so far this year, I’m concluding that I liked '07 and '06 rosés more than what I’m tasting from '08, so probably won’t be buying much '08 rosé. From this selection, my favorites were the '07 J.K. Carriere Glass, the '08 Rouët Estérelle and the '08 Tempier.

  • 2008 Château du Rouët Côtes de Provence Estérelle - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
    Pale salmon color; light strawberry, mandarin orange nose; light, oily textured, minerally, tart strawberry, cherry, peach palate with a delicate touch; medium finish 90+ pts. (90 pts.)
  • 2008 Domaine de Colette Beaujolais-Villages - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages
    Pale pink color with clear meniscus; tight, faint citrus and clementine nose; tart orange, clementine palate with medium-plus acidity; medium finish 87+ pts. (87 pts.)
  • 2008 Domaine des Cantarelles Vin de Pays du Gard Rose de Fayel - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Vin de Pays du Gard
    Light rust pink color; minerally, light, tart, red fruit nose; light, tart, red fruit, mineral and somewhat herbal palate; medium finish 86+ pts. (70% Cabernet Franc, 25% Syrah, 5% Grenache) (86 pts.)
  • 2008 Château de Puligny-Montrachet Bourgogne Rosé - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne
    Light orange pink color with clear meniscus; light floral, ripe orange, cantelope and oak nose; different on palate, tart, tangy, chalky, mineral and citrus palate; short finish (87 pts.)
  • 2008 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé - France, Provence, Bandol
    Light orange color; orange melon, mineral, focused nose; light-bodied, tart orange melon, mineral and orange cream palate with grip and medium acidity; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
  • 2008 Vinos de Terrunos Siete 7 - Spain, Navarra
    Light medium pink color with clear meniscus; light strawberry, raspberry nose with a touch of carbonic maceration; tart raspberry, orange, mineral, fairly complex palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
  • 2008 Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko 14-18h - Greece, Peloponnisos, Nemea
    Bright medium pink color; orange melon, papaya nose; tart, dry, minerally citrus, tart papaya palate with medium acidity; medium finish (89 pts.)
  • 2008 Etude Pinot Noir Rosé - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
    Light orange pink color with clear meniscus; vanilla, oak, orange cream nose; juicy, tart cherry, tart red fruit, oak palate with medium acidity and depth; medium finish (87 pts.)
  • 2007 J.K. Carriere Pinot Noir Glass - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
    Light salmon color; intriguing light fish sauce, mineral, savory nose; nice tart minerally, lime, tart cherry palate with a green note; medium finish (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2

First of all, BRAVO on doing a Rosé tasting!!

Regarding the '07 Glass, I found that this Rosé was a bit difficult on its own, and really needed food, but is quite excellent, indeed.

3

I had the 08 Tempier last Monday. While delicious I thought the price a little questionable. The jump in quality didn’t match the jump in price but your tasting note is spot on. I’m just not sure I want to pay the extra tariff. Thanks for tasting the under appreciated pinkies!

4

I love that Gaia 14-18h rose. One of my favorites. the color alone is worth the price. Glad to see greek wine gettin’ some love.

5

Thank you, Richard

Having just returned from a week each in the Rhone and Provence, and wallowing in rose the whole time (while earning the new sobriquet from my companions of “M’sieur Rose’”), I appreciate the notes.

I’m also not ready to dismiss the 08 roses… especially those from Provence.

One of the more interesting days in Provence was spent at the Centre du Recherche d’Experimentation du Vins Rose, wherein we conducted a tremendous day of serial rose’ tasting, complete with the black glass then the white glass, and doing color chart checks, which was cool. The tasting showed a variety of terroirs, styles, and vintages…and the 08s showed rather well.

When I returned home, I immediately had several more of the Provencals, and once again I was pleased with the 08—although the 07s were stunning!

One 08 that delivers awesome quality for about $8 was the Chateau Bas l’Alvenergue from Aix-en-Provence.

I’ll stay on the lookout for the Rouet Esterelle too. Thanks for the tip.

Also, I agree: the price increase on the Tempier has sadly moved it out of my comfort zone.

Now you need to have another rose’ tasting, Richard. This time, make it a faceoff between saignee and vin de presse. (I’ll put my money on the vin de presse every time.) [thumbs-up.gif]