Wines Tasted - May 28, 2010

Rose' Wines I've Enjoyed:

Domaine Sorin - Cotes du Provence - Rose' - 2009 - $16 - (Classic, Food Wine) - Aromas of ripe peach, strawberry and red currant abound amongst cracked sea shells and red flowers.  Bright Acidity and a refreshing length to the finish.  A delight with Antipasti and Buratta over Grilled Bread.

Carlotta Cellars - Eagle Point Ranch - Grenache Rose' - Mendocino - 2009 - $18 - (Classic, Food Wine) - Vinified by a great Sommelier and great friend: David Grega and his business partner Aran Healy, from top quality Grenache fruit from the famed Eagle Point Ranch.  This is not saigne', this is also not a full throttle version of a rose'.  This is however a well balanced, food-friendly version of a Southern Rhone (think Lirac or Navarra) or Northern Spain Grenache.  I loved the salmon/pink color extraction, the soft white flowers and pink skinned fruits glowing in the aromas.  The palate was more shy (only a few weeks in bottle) yet I feel restraint is the sign of a good Rose' producer.  This wine should show more lifted characteristics as Spring becomes Summer.  Enjoy now with Humboldt Fog on Warm Baguette.

2006-Ch. Paradis-Cote d'Aix en Provence-red wine-(Modern)-$19 - 14.5% alc, a blend of Cabernet, Syrah and Grenache. Black/ruby color, with a nose of licorice, minerals, violets and chocolate over blackberry, sweet black cherry and plum fruits. Fully tannic and very Earthy while at the same time high in alcohol and with sweet-ripe fruit. Very much a new world style.
We had roast chicken sandwiches on freshly baked rolls with melted Cheddar.