Puech Haut Argali Rose 2024
Languedoc; Grenache and Cinsault.
Paler than most Whites. Disappointing at first, rather thin and insipid, it gained on complexity with air. White things (lychee, peach, coconut water) and some mild red fruit with a mineral streak. Better than expected. But why this outrageous bottle? At least it won’t roll away… And a glass stopper.
Yeah baby. I go through a couple cases of this every summer.
2023 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir Rosé of Pinot
Opened and paired with marinated grilled chicken, mushroom rice and asparagus. 214 cases produced. This is made by bleeding off 3-5% of the free run juice from all of their Pinot blocks. A fuller bodied Rose’ with a darker pinkish hue. Rather intense. This was loaded with spice when first tried but as it aired in the glass it mellowed a bit. Notes of raspberries and tart cherries. 88 points.
VM
2024 Pradeaux Rose - I loved the '22, but skipped the '23 which was so dark in the bottle it reminded me of Tavel. The '24 is somewhere in between in color, which was odd as I’d thought '22 was a hotter year there than '24. I liked but did not love this. Very good intensity of flavors, with a lot of grapefuit and blood orange, but probably too dark for me, wanting a bit more energy.
2024 Trader Joe’s Reserve Bandol - Okay, you’re not mistaking it for Tempier, but it is actually a really good rose and killer for $13. What’s more, it has actual Bandol character, if admittedly in a more dialed down package.
2023 Bodegas los Bermejos Rosado - this has the nicely refreshing salty character the wine always shows, but is perhaps a touch sweeter than I would like. On its own, you don’t notice much, but if consumed with, before, or after another rose, it stands out.
2024 Clos Cibonne Tentations - reliable value in quality Cotes de Provence style rose. No real family resemblance to the better wines, but still very good for what it is.
2023 Le Pont Bandol Rose.
A glass while watching the end of the Traveller’s golf tournament (rooting for Fleetwood, but also Bradley)
A distinctive soft, almost “pillowy” mouthfeel, savory/spicy slightly tart fruit, mineral, energetic, lingering pleasantly bitter tangerine aftertaste. I like it and I recommend it. ($22)
2023 Roubertas Côtes de Provence Comte de Provence Rosé
Popped and poured. Primarily Grenache. This was an inexpensive Rose that I picked up for $7 (half normal price). Light pink color. This had a decent body with lighter spice notes. The fruit centered on berries and rosehip. 86 points.
VM
Château de Manissy Tavel Langoustière 2022
Darker than quite a few reds, a bit of a bruiser at 14%. Cherries and strawberries in abundance, with herbal elements. You feel the heat though.
2022 Bernhard Ott Rosalie
Drank this prior to the fireworks on the 4th. This Austrian estate has a reputation as one of the premier Rose’ producers. 100% Zweigelt. Pinkish orange color. Medium bodied. This was very well rounded with bright red berry and watermelon notes. The acidity balanced the fruit nicely. 91 points.
VM
