Monday Morning Wine Briefing: August 14, 2016

I asked the staff this morning for a quick answer on their favorite rosé in store right now. Answers are listed in the order they were received :)  Buy any 3 and get a 10% discount!

Casey:  Kir-Yianni Akakies Sparkling Rosé 2013 - "The 2013 Rose Akakies is 100% Xinomavro and dry. This has tons of great fruit this year, but in its youth it is the power and acidity that come to the foreground. xinomavro can be a great base for a pink, a grape that can add acidity and complexity. Kir-Yianni typically does it quite well. This is firing on all burners, right down to the crisp finish with tension, grip and some complexity of flavor. In its youth, it's a beauty and a very nice bargain, too. It may not be everyone's "typical" pink, though, if you're thinking "sweet and soft." It's time to give this fine pink some props. It has certainly shown its stuff." RP 90 points

Kimi: Domaines Bunan, Bandol Rosé 2015 - The Bunan family have quietly become the single largest proprietors in the increasingly well-regarded appellation of Bandol. The wines – across the board – show a respect for tradition but also an openness to change. Their vineyards are now certified organic and they have begun the process of bio-dynamic conversion.  Clean, luscious, with classic Côtes e Provence aromas of soft summer fruits and violets. The palate is elegantly fresh and tangy, with touches of mineral and citrus.

Erin: Bodegas Larchago Rioja Rosé 2015 - We had so much fun with owner/winemaker Javier Chavarri and his wife Maria when we did a tasting with them earlier in the year.  At that time his rosé was not yet released, but he was very excited about the 2015 vintage.  All you have to do is taste it to know why! Great aromatics of strawberry and raspberry, rich on the palate but with a clean, minerally finish.  

Clare:  Château Puech Haut, Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige Rosé 2015 - "The entry-level Rosé is the 2015 Languedoc Cuvee Prestige Rose, and it continues to be a sensational value. Made from 60% Grenache and 40% Cinsault, it’s light pink color is followed by perfumed notes of strawberries, orange blossom and spring flowers. Juicy, clean and refreshing, yet with texture, buy a case of this." RP 90-92 points

Kerry: Domaine François Millet Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé 2015 - From a small family estate in the Loire.  100% Pinot Noir - Pure and clean (as a Sancerre should be!) with red berries and citrus. Precise and elegant; fresh and thirst-quenching. Delightful on a hot summer day!

Beth: Domaine de Fondrèche Ventoux Rosé 2015 - A store favorite for 3 years running!  "Very pale orange-pink. Powerful, mineral-tinged aromas of blood orange and red currant are complemented by a suave floral element. Concentrated red berry and orange zest flavors are sharpened by a white pepper note that adds back-end spiciness. Quite lithe for its depth of flavor; finishes stony, floral and long, carrying a subtle echo of bitter cherry." VM 90 points