2013 Chateau de Pampelonne, Rose, Cotes de Provence, France.
This was a perfect companion to a warm summer, Fourth of July, on my best friend’s sun deck after watching some World Cup quarter finals, in which sadly this wine’s homeland was defeated, but of which we used as an excuse to pop this pretty Rose. The Chateau de Pompelonne is a classic dry French Provence Rose with bright refreshing flavors, mineral tones and is very stylish and remarkably easy to love, best to have more than one bottle around. The 2013 Rose is made of 40% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah and 10% Tibouren grapes from vines not far from the famed French Rivera town of Saint Tropez and is hand crafted by the talented Marie Pascaud, she also flies out the made wine in the southern hemisphere in the off season at well known estates from Chile to New Zealand. This Rose from granite and gneiss soils shows tart cherry, rose water, tangy plum, strawberry and watermelon fruit along with zesty citrus/acidity, steely notes and a hint of spice and lavender. Everything is delivered in vivid and clear fashion, this is a joyous French pink that, unfortunately will not be for celebrating Les Bleus, but should be great fun for Bastille Day and the rest of summer and fall to come.
($24 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com ($21.95)