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A Rosé That Is Much Better Than Its Bottle Is Weird

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by Treve Ring | In my line of work I get to drink taste a boatload of wines, many good, most average, a lot of plonk, and a slight few, awesome

Commanderie de la La Bargemone | Cuvée Marina Rosé 2013
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France | $30 +650408

Yeah – I was skeptical too. I mean, just look at that bottle! Is it perfume? A marketing ploy? My skepticism is as finely attuned to wine BS as my palate is to Trichloroanisole, but then the aroma – savoury, stony, minerality, spice – and the colour! Its gorgeous gossamer pale peach salmon hue instantly conjures the warm, herb-laden winds of Provence.

Skepticism settled, tuck in and enjoy this bone dry and positively racy rosé. Stony spice throughout, with sun-warmed watermelon, Lilliputian strawberries, roses, mandarin and an undertone of a heady wild herb bouquet. The structure is quietly confident, acidity is vibrant and the pink grapefruit pith finish lingering. The sustainably farmed syrah, cab sauv and grenache in this blend are on a 150 hectare property that dates back to the 13th century, situated just outside of the village of Saint-Cannat in Aix-en-Provence. Only a limited amount of this striking wine found its way into our liquor stores, so find it while you can or befriend someone who has.

EVERY AWESOME THING WE DRANK 

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