2016 Georis Winery, Rose of Cabernet Franc “Les Abeilles” Monterey County.
Damien Georis’ latest set of Georis Winery is a serious lineup of Bordeaux style reds, including a powerful Merlot, that certainly has an old world feel and austere firmness which holds lots of charm and class as well as a fun set of whites including a fresh Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, but I must say I was really thrilled by the Les Abeilles Rose of Cabernet Franc that is dry, crisp and mineral driven that reminds me an Anjou Rose from the Loire Valley. The Belgian and ex-Bordeaux man has brought lot to Georis over the last 10 years and the quality has benefited from his talent, he is one of Carmel Valley’s leading winemakers as well as one of the young stars of Monterey County like Jeff Pisoni and Ian Brand, his own label Madeleine is also worth checking out, he has a special gift for Cabernet Franc, but also does a fine Cabernet Sauvignon and lovely Pinot Blanc. It’s time to re-discover all these wines from Georis and Madeleine, in particular this beautiful and delicate 2016 Les Abeilles Rose that delivers refreshing vitality and vibrant flavors leading with tart cherry, wet stones, steel/mineral, watermelon, spring herbs, a hint of earth and zesty citrus making it a fun and lean pink that will give a huge amount of perkiness and pleasure in a classic old world style. Drink this wine spring and summer cuisine, paella, oysters and mussels and picnic fare, though it will also be joyous on it’s on as a cool quaffer!
($29 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive