WTN: WORLD'S BEST ROSE? Bruno Clair Marsannay Rose 2005

Which vintage is current Randy?

2005, James.

[James Roscoe]

Thanks Randy. When does the 2006 get released? Is this a rose that needs or could use a little age? (That would be a contrarian rose!)

Thanks Randy. When does the 2006 get released? Is this a rose that needs or could use a little age? (That would be a contrarian rose!)

Clair is always released late (or too late to enjoy during the summer). The next vintage, 2006 will probably hit the US shores in September or October. Luckily, I too bought up a couple of '05s. As for aging, I had a 2004 in Beaune this past January which was coming along nicely. Since it's not really a peppy, crisp styled pink, and more of a 'Rouge Lite' a couple of years bottle age isn't a bad thing. Be warned though, other Marsannay Rose doesn't hold up the same. Bruno Clair really is EXTRAordinary.

A 20 euro weekly wine allocation!
If that were my limit, I'd have been thrown in jail long ago...

Alex

Naw! Grams of alcohol!

Sounds like as good a reason as any to start drinking off-dry German riesling with 7-9% alcohol!

recently had another possible 'best rose'. was tasting the 2006 sancerre's at delaporte. they say the vintage is very very good indeed - maybe similar to 2002. we took a sample of the rose from a spigot on a large stainless tank. wow, just delicious. i was lucky enough to get them to send a bottle with me to share with friends that night. i now think that drinking rose straight from the tank must be the best way.

[Jenise]

Also I love a good Tavel rose.

Tavel was my introduction to Rose. I love a good Tavel.

Interesting! I agree with Tavel, but don't get Ott, a wine you nominated earlier. Too sweet for my tastes, and too pricey.

i'm beginning to think that i like the lower alcohol, slightly tart versions from cooler climates than i do the bigger rose's from the south. loire rose for me - and bordeaux too.

Hi Fredrik, we don't see much of you these days. Busy life I suppose.

Clair is always released late (or too late to enjoy during the summer). The next vintage, 2006 will probably hit the US shores in September or October.

The same holds true with Joncier, one of my favorite Roses. You would think the marketing folks would get their act together...

Ooooh, you guys...

1. I will drink anything made by Bruno Clair. He may not make the best wines, but he gets more out of his grapes than anybody else in Beaune.
That said, I am deeply suspicious of rosés of pinot noir. I've tried many over the years, and most were insipid.

2. People who age rosés--I'm thinking in particular of certain lunatic Spanish producers--should have their toys taken away and be sent to sit in the corner until they learn how to say "DYA". Oxidized rosé is a taste that should not be acquired.

3. The best rosé is whatever Provence Pink is sitting in front of me. Look, some wines are just not meant for savoring. They're meant for glugging at the end of a long, hot, thirsty day. The very idea of a 90+ point rosé, to be revered and contemplated, is anathema.

3a. If there isn't a Provence Pink sitting in front of me, and you're buying, I'll have the Domaine Tempier, thank you.

[James Roscoe]

Ooooh, you guys...

1. I will drink anything made by Bruno Clair. He may not make the best wines, but he gets more out of his grapes than anybody else in Beaune.
That said, I am deeply suspicious of rosés of pinot noir. I've tried many over the years, and most were insipid.

2. People who age rosés--I'm thinking in particular of certain lunatic Spanish producers--should have their toys taken away and be sent to sit in the corner until they learn how to say "DYA". Oxidized rosé is a taste that should not be acquired.

3. The best rosé is whatever Provence Pink is sitting in front of me. Look, some wines are just not meant for savoring. They're meant for glugging at the end of a long, hot, thirsty day. The very idea of a 90+ point rosé, to be revered and contemplated, is anathema.

3a. If there isn't a Provence Pink sitting in front of me, and you're buying, I'll have the Domaine Tempier, thank you.

Too much thought went into this. Just drink the dry rose like a good boy.

People who age rosés--I'm thinking in particular of certain lunatic Spanish producers--should have their toys taken away and be sent to sit in the corner until they learn how to say "DYA". Oxidized rosé is a taste that should not be acquired.

Rioja aside, not all aged rose turns oxidized. Am thinking of some 15 year old cabernet-based Pierre Bise rose from the Loire that I loved drinking a few years ago. Mature, comfortable, not at all oxidized. A lovely unique experience.

Wish I could repeat it.

Maybe one of these days.

We opened a bottle ot the 2001 Bruno Clair Marsannay Rosé last night. I hadn't tried this before (found the bottle on closeout), but it didn't seem to have suffered from a couple years of bottle age. Very nice rosé of Pinot Noir, with crisp strawberry fruit and noticeable Pinot Noir character. I'll certainly look for newer vintages.

Ooooh, you guys...

1. I will drink anything made by Bruno Clair. He may not make the best wines, but he gets more out of his grapes than anybody else in Beaune.
That said, I am deeply suspicious of rosés of pinot noir. I've tried many over the years, and most were insipid.

2. People who age rosés--I'm thinking in particular of certain lunatic Spanish producers--should have their toys taken away and be sent to sit in the corner until they learn how to say "DYA". Oxidized rosé is a taste that should not be acquired.

3. The best rosé is whatever Provence Pink is sitting in front of me. Look, some wines are just not meant for savoring. They're meant for glugging at the end of a long, hot, thirsty day. The very idea of a 90+ point rosé, to be revered and contemplated, is anathema.

3a. If there isn't a Provence Pink sitting in front of me, and you're buying, I'll have the Domaine Tempier, thank you.

Too much thought went into this. Just drink the dry rose like a good boy.

Thanks. I'm feeling much better now, actually.

Also I love a good Tavel rose.

Tavel was my introduction to Rose. I love a good Tavel.

Interesting! I agree with Tavel, but don't get Ott, a wine you nominated earlier. Too sweet for my tastes, and too pricey.

Ott is pricey for what you get. But the first time I had it was with a smorgasborg (sp?) of Syrian food. It paired really well and left a good impression on me. At the end of the day that is really all I need.

rwj