2014 Chateau L’ Argentier, Aramon Rose, Vieilles Vignes, Sommieres, IGP Herault, Languedoc, France.
The Jourdan family has been making wine since 1937 and have a beautiful estate in Sommieres, which is in-between Nimes and Montpellier in the L’Herault region of the Languedoc, in southern France. The Rose from the Jourdan’s Chateau L’ Argentier is a beauty, made from the rare Aragon grape, this almost lost varietal was once the most widely planted grape in the area, but was almost wiped out by Phylloxera in the 1,800’s, and was never really re-planted, so only a tiny amount survives today. This 2014 old vines rose is perfectly vibrant and mineral driven with tangy refreshing fruit essences and crisp coolness, it tingles the palate with light floral tones, pink grapefruit, sour cherry, watermelon and strawberry along with steely notes and stony elements, plus a hint of savory spice. This classic Pink is delightful, character filled and wonderfully charming. I may have found my secret Summer go to Rose for the year, this is really pretty and entertaining wine and a easy way to spend the warm season ahead. Imported by Wine Wise in California, the Chateau L’ Argentier is a winery to look for, their other offering are quite fun as well with a Cinsault old vine red and Coteaux du Languedoc rouge worth looking for as well, though I think the star was this Aramon Rose, drink this gem over the next year, absolutely joyous!
($17 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive