WTN: Cleaning out some bottles of Rosé

I have more than a handful of Rosé bottles still in storage, left over from the summer. So, I made it a point to use a few of them this past week, including two at a tasting I delivered Friday evening.

2006 Chinook Cabernet Franc Rosé ($15): This is a fuller-bodied Rosé with nice crispness and good acidity; aroma and flavors are distinctly Cabernet Franc. Medium-to-light color with good fruit with no residual sugar. 13.0% ABV

2006 Prieure de Montezargues Tavel ($22): This Rosé is a blend of 55% Grenache, 15% Clairette and 30% Cinsault. On the darker side of the Rose' color scale, it has lovely aromas of flowers and fresh fruit, followed by nicely complex flavors. This was definitely my favorite of the three. 13.5% ABV

2006 Ch. La Canorgue Vin Rosé Cotes du Luberon ($18 ): This wine is made from roughly equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Medium-to-light color with crisp fruit and acidity. However, it has a sharp finish that I found to be unappealing. 13.5% ABV

-- Clark

I've been tasting Rosé this past week too and most impressed with one from 2006, which asserted itself very well amongst a whole heap of new vintage 2007's. It was Gibbston Valley Central Otago Blanc de Pinot Noir 2006 (South Island, New Zealand).
Strawberry red in colour with cherry, plum and candy floss on the nose and dry, spicy, zesty flavours that are full of citrus, strawberry and a suggestion of dried herbs that add savouriness to the finish. It's round and rich with a lightly creamy texture and although a year on from vintage, it's still vibrant and fruit crunchy with a vinous punch.
But a bit shocked when I saw the alcohol content stated at 14% - would sure pack a bit of a punch if partaking in a couple of glasses at lunch.

We seem to see more Rosé from Pinot Noir in this part of the world, than the varieties you tasted.

Cheers,
Sue

In looking through my database, I see that most of the (USA) domestic Rosé wines I have tried are also single varietal. They tend to be Pinot Noir, Barbera, Sangiovese or Cabernet Franc, or they are blends based on one of the last three. I can only think of two domestic Rosé wines I've had that were based on grapes found in southern France.

BTW ... if you ever find a bottle of the Robert Sinksey Vin Gris (a Rosé wine made from Carneros-grown Pinot Noir), I highly recommend it.

-- Clark