WINE REVIEWS
2019
Minuty Prestige
Chateau Minuty 281
2019 Minuty Prestige: Chateau Minuty is an estate owned by the Matton-Farnet family and situated on the peninsula of Saint-Tropez. Grape varietals are planted on site-specific parcels of calcareous and limestone soils. The expressions of the wines are influenced by the abundant sunshine of this region and the breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. Minuty Prestige comes from two Minuty hand-harvested estate vineyards: the original estate vineyard in Saint-Tropez and Chauteau Verez located in the hills of Vidauban. It possesses a pinkish-coral color with an attractive scent of framboise. The core is pure red raspberry overlaid with nectarines. This rose´ is balanced and built for aging.
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Chateau Minuty 281: The creation of this rose´ was inspired by the influence of sea and sky of Saint-Tropez in summer. This wine is sourced from Grenache vines that average 25 years of age with the addition of some Cinsault and Syrah. There are accents of saline and field flowers. It explodes on the palate with fresh peach blossoms and blood orange that coalesce into a juicy core. There is a hint of garrigue that will remind of the Mediterranean Sea. This charismatic rose´ has an amazing mid-palate richness and is extremely complex throughout leading to a bright, long finish.
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2019 Chateau D'Esclans
Whispering Angel
Garrus
Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel: Founded by Sacha Lichine in 2006 this chateau in southern France is known for their prestigious portfolio of Provencal rose´. The original chateau was constructed in the 12th century and redesigned into a Tuscan Villa estate in the mid-19th century. There are 182 acres of vineyards planted in the Cotes de Provence. Whispering Angel continues its leadership role as the top selling Provencal rose ´in the US market. Whispering Angel is primarily Grenache from 80% of purchased fruit. It has a pale hue and is packed with wild strawberry, red raspberry and watermelon. The flavors are perfectly melded together.
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Chateau D’Esclans Garrus: The vineyards for Garrus are grown on a hillside location of limestone sub-soils. It is made from free run juice, allowed three hours of skin contact and then undergoes one month of fermentation to preserve its freshness. Although one of the most expensive in the rose´ category, it boasts a sultry and extroverted personality that is well worth the price tag. Between the layers of cream is an assortment of white and dark peach fruit that are accented with red citrus spices. It has an amazing mid-palate that is broad, complex and silky. There is so much richness in this sultry bottle that you may never want to drink another rose´.
2019 Peyrassol
Commanderie
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Located in the Côtes de Provence, the Commanderie de Peyrassol was founded by the Knights of Templar in the 13th century. It was acquired by the Rigord family in 1790 and later purchased by Philippe Austruy in 2001, who modernized the estate. This rose´ is crafted from Syrah, Cinsault, Ugni Blanc and Rolle (Vermentino) then aged for six months in stainless steel. Light pale salmon in color, this wine opens with a bouquet of fresh spring flowers. In between are layers of fresh gold raspberries and orange peel with a faint hint of minerality and spice in the background. It keeps its composure until the end.
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2019 Maison Saint Aix
AIX Rose´
The 135 year old winery of Maison Saint Aix is situated in the south of France, only an hour northeast of Aix-en-Provence. With 185 acres of vineyard, this is one of the largest domains in the famous AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence. Situated on a plateau at an altitude of over 420 meters above sea level. From mineral rich soils to an ideal elevation, warm days and cool nights to mistral winds that dry the vines from morning dew combined to give the AIX rose´ its character of richness and spicy notes.
The color is pale salmon pink that sparkles as you swirl it in the glass. The fragrant nose jumps out with crushed rocks, red grapefruit, watermelon and spice. The palate is medium bodied with crisp acidity and red current. The tangy texture gives this rose´ a clean, zesty and fresh aftertaste. The finish is pure rose´ and is quite long. This is a great summer sipper!
By Perry Miroballi
2019
Chateau Lauzade
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These vineyards are nestled between two mountain ranges protecting them from the Mistral winds in the Cotes de Provence. Grown in soils of clay and limestone, the vineyards rest on top of a natural spring, which refresh the vines. With a majority of Grenache in the blend, this rose´ exposes a pale pink color opening to a generous concentration of Morello cherries and red raspberries. There is a hint of minerality at the end adding to a fresh and long finish.
2019
Chateau des Muraires
Seduction
Chateau des Muraires, Seduction is one of the three Provencal rosé wines produced by Bernard Magrez of Bordeaux’s Chateau Pape Clement and Sauternes Clos Haut-Peyraguey. Located in the heart of the Var countryside, the estate is nestled in the foothills of the famous Massif des Maures. Also known as the “black mountain”, due to the dark color of its rocks and density of its forest. The vineyard is planted on the south facing terraces with a perfect drainage system for its 12 - 45+ year old vines.
This rose´ has a lovely pale pink color. There are delicate notes of fresh red raspberry on the beautifully fragrant nose. The palate has depth, but with an amazing balance between the right amount of acidity, bright red fruit and creamy richness. The finish is where the minerality kicks in with its tang. The finish is long and incredibly fresh. Wonderful to drink any time of day!
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By Perry Miroballi