Rosé

Bieler Pere et Fils “Sabine” Rosé (2013)

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20141020_190206Bieler Pere et Fils “Sabine”

Rosé:  55% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Grenache

YEAR: 2013

REGION: France

AVERAGE RETAIL: $10

What they say about it:

“The Bieler Pere et Fils Rose displays a light, bright cranberry color in the glass. In addition to the usual raspberry, cherry, and wild strawberry red fruit aromas, there’s a citrusy (grapefruit) and slightly floral note with the important underlying savory structure of lavender, grass and herbs de Provence.“

What I say about it:

With the days of summer now gone and the colder, wetter days descending on the city of Seattle, my occasions for drinking Rosé decrease much like the daylight. However on this night Thai was on the menu, which for me, means a Rosé. Always on the lookout for one I haven’t tried, the Bieler Pere et Fils Rose jumped off the shelf.

So out of the bottle and into the glass…. The color of the wine is blush pink with slight peachy tone coming through (amber). It’s clean and clear to the rim. The nose of the wine is full of citrus and floral with peach, apples, strawberries and a touch of cinnamon.

The tasting notes include apples, cranberries, strawberries, peach and watermelon. There is a slight minerally (slate) undertone as well. It’s what you expect in a Rosé but on the Medium to Dry side. It has a crisp finish that is balanced but leaning toward acidic. Enjoyable and easy to drink. It complimented my Thai dinner nicely and would go well with similar spicy Asian and Indian cuisine as well as BBQ. 

Would Bukowski drink it?  Let’s drink to Louis-Ferdinand Céline! Bottoms up. 

Overall Rating: 3 BUKS

3-BUKS

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Le Vieille Ferme Recolte (2013)

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20140415_193345Le Vieille Ferme Recolte

Rosé:  Grenache, Syrah nad Cinsault (blend % not listed)

YEAR: 2013

REGION: France: Rhone

AVERAGE RETAIL: $8-10

What they say about it:

“The wine has a beautiful rose color, a flora nose with hnts of aniseed and brown sugar. The mouth is on notes of white flowers, cherries and fruit drops. The finish is fresh and balanced. “

What I say about it:

It was another Thai night in the Kurtiak/Jones household so that meant a search for a Rosé wine for dinner. I have had the Le Vieille Ferme Recolte on many occasions and thought a proper review was in order. It’s a relatively inexpensive wine easily found at wine shops and markets alike. At $10 or less, it’s a very drinkable Rosé wine.

So out of the bottle and into the glass…. The color of the wine is blush pink with the grenache tone coming through the most (more red than amber). It’s clean and clear to the rim. The nose of the wine is sweet with berry notes, sweet blossoms, and a slight touch of watermelon.

The tasting notes include cherries, berries, with slight acid, and lots of caramel brown sugar and tartness. It’s what you expect in a Rosé on the sweeter side. Easily drinkable and it compliments spicier meals and reminds me that it’s Spring with days outside and BBQ around the corner. 

Would Bukowski drink it? Come on Dave, $8 bucks? I am in. 

Overall Rating: 3 BUKS

3-BUKS

Charles & Charles Rosé (2013)

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20140227_185638Charles & Charles Rosé

Rosé:  Syrah (86%) Mourvedre (2%), Cinsault (6%) and Grenache (4%).

YEAR: 2013

REGION: US: Washington: Columbia Valley

AVERAGE RETAIL: $10-12

What they say about it:

“The aromas pop with wild strawberry, rose, cherry, subtle hibiscus and a touch of citrus, with underlying dried herb, crushed gravel and mineral tones (2012). “

What I say about it:

I was surprised to see the 2013 Charles & Charles Rose at my local market. It’s not even listed on the winery website yet. This wine is one of my buddy Matt Rankin’s favorite Rose wines so when I am in the mood for a rose and see it, I usually pick up a bottle to have in my arsenal for when he comes over (or to drink and replace one in my wine fridge). It’s a particularly good rose that is easily recommended. The 2013 is a slight variation of previous vintages but is no less enjoyable.

So out of the bottle and into the glass….the color is a nice clear pink with a rhubarb tone.

The nose is first and foremost big on berries and fruit with strawberries, slight melon, with a touch of spice and earthiness (slate and crushed stone).

The taste echoes the nose with berries and a slight pucker and evervesance with big fruit flavors: peach, pear, asian pear, strawberries and apple with a touch of citrus. The wine is dry to off-dry and not overly sweet. It has a nice lite and delicate finish that is very well-balanced.

Overall a nice Rose with a good balance of fruit, acid and fruit. Easily enjoyable with BBQ, Asian foods (Thai) and similar savory yet sweet meals.

Would Bukowski drink it? If it’s pink, it will sink (in my belly). 

Overall Rating: 3 BUKS

3-BUKS

Tuck Beckstoffer Wines “Hogwash” Rosé (2012)

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20140227_165711Tuck Beckstoffer Wines “Hogwash” Rosé

Rosé: 100% Rose of Grenache

YEAR: 2012

REGION: US: California

AVERAGE RETAIL: $10-12

What they say about it:

“Hogwash is all about fun in the warm summer months. Who could deny that most of our favorite summertime memories involve cold pink rose, toes in the sand, body surfing, and a plate full of pork. The design is as simple as the winemaking itself, basic components, clear expression, and simple satisfaction. “

What I say about it:

I was making a rack of ribs for dinner and a nice rosé was in order. I spotted the Hogwash Rosé in the meger winter selection of Rosé wine at my local QFC supermarket. The pig on the label jumped out at me and sometimes that’s all it takes to take a chance.

So out of the bottle and into the glass….The color is pink to peach with a slight light orange and cranberry hue. Very clean and bright.

The nose is full of berries with strawberries being front and center. A touch of vanilla and lavender with a slight sweet musky note as well.

On tasting, watermelon and strawberries were my first impression with a slight slate (minerally) finish that was a little short but pleasant but a little on the acidic side. The wine is sweet and it’s lower alcohol (12.9%) makes this a very easily drinkable wine to accompany BBQ, picnic meals and other food associated with summertime. Overall it’s a decent Rosé but nothing spectacular. I’d drink it again but not search it out.

Would Bukowski drink it?  Why not? I will drink anything. 

Overall Rating: 2 BUKS

2-BUKS

CK Mondavi “Willow Springs” White Zinfandel (2012)

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20140211_204959CK Mondavi “Willow Springs” White Zinfandel

Rosé: 88% Zinfandel, 10% Sauvignon Blanc,  2% Other

YEAR: 2012

REGION: US: California

AVERAGE RETAIL: $6 (or $10 if you are at a gas station, convenience store or similar retailer where you have limited options)

What they say about it:

“Our White Zinfandel has a beautifully bright salmon color and aromas of strawberries and spice. Full of flavors, this wine has a refreshing crisp and clean finish. This wine is an ideal accompaniment to spicy Asian cuisine, chicken and picnic fare. Our family winery, established in 1943, has been committed to creating fine wines for four generations. We harvest grapes at their peak of ripeness from prime California vineyards, creating wines with fully developed flavors.‘”

What I say about it:

OK so I am traveling for work and I am stuck in San Antonio TX on a rather frigid night and did not want to venture very far for anything. It’s 34 out and in the last week I have been to Columbus Oh (where it was -4) and NJ where it was also quite cold. I ventured out to get some Thai, which in itself in downtown San Antonio meant quite a hike and my only option for wine that I came across was a discount liquor store. I walked in and the store’s shelves were more than half empty. The selection was non-existent and it was this or red moscato or pink sparkling wine. I at least have had Mondavi before, yes when I was 16 and took a chance.

Out of the convenient twist off cap and into the hotel glass….The color is pink with a hint of rustiness that may just be a really old bottle, judging from the dust on it.

The nose, amazingly is non-existent. Try as I might, I smell nothing but a slight berry soap smell. Sort of like the soap you’d expect in a teenage girl’s bathroom. Not even as good as something from Bath & Body Works or a Yankee Candle store.

The taste…oh lord. Sugar, sweet and an ever so slight touch of berries. Memories of Bartle and Jaymes , Boones Farm, and again some strange soapy flavor. The wine has no finish. It is very acidic and not very balanced.

Bottom line, if you are feeling nostalgic for the cheap wine you drank in high school, want a bad hangover, or feel like drinking wine that tastes like liquified Jolly Ranchers look no further. 

Would Bukowski drink it? Even I have standards Dave.  

Overall Rating:1 BUK (only because it is actually wine)

1-BUK

Chateau de Lancyre “Pic Saint Loup” Rosé (2012)

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Chateau De Lancyre Rose Chateau de Lancyre “Pic saint Loup” Rosé

Rosé (Blend: Cinsaut – Grenache – Syrah) 

YEAR: 2012

REGION: FRANCE:  Languedoc-Roussillon: Languedoc: Coteaux du Languedoc: Pic Saint-Loup

AVERAGE RETAIL: $16-18

What they say about it:

“A big rosé! Raspberry and pear aromas on the nose, with distinctive spicy, minty garrigue notes. Big, bold and firm on the palate, ending with a long, clean finish.“

What I say about it:

Last night’s dinner was Indian, which for me requires a nice Rosé. The Chateau de Lancyre “Pic Saint Loup” Rosé was a new addition at my local market with some good blurbs so a taste seemed in order. Out of the bottle and into the glass….

The color was a clear blush rose with slightly peachy orange tones bright and to the rim. Very clean.

The nose of the wine was a burst of fruit, floral and citrus with strawberry, orange, grapefruit and a touch of clove and spice.

On tasting, again, fruit was first and foremost (as it should be with a Rosé). Bursts of watermelon, strawberry and rhubarb with a little spice and herbs (most notably a little mint). The Chateau de Lancyre “Pic Saint Loup” Rosé is dry with a nice full finish. Slightly sour with a mouth-watering effect.

It’s great on its own but for pairings, I’d suggest this as perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, BBQ, shrimp, ethnic foods that tend to be sweet, spicy or savory, like Indian cuisine, as well as lighter yet hearty meals (Cobb Salad).

Overall a really really good Rosé. Highly recommended and easy to drink. I plan to add this to my short list of Rosé to enjoy now and definitely this summer.

Would Bukowski drink it? You had me at “easy”. 

Overall Rating: 4 BUKS

4-BUKS

Northwest Wine Academy “Baywatch Baxter” Rosé Wine (2012)

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20131201_172015Northwest Wine Academy “Baywatch Baxter”

Rosé

YEAR: 2012

REGION: US: Washington State: Columbia Valley

AVERAGE RETAIL: $16

What they say about it:

“Deliciously, mouthwatering and refreshingly dry: bright, with flavors of cherry, rhubarb and cranberry with a hint of white pepper and a bit of creaminess.‘”

What I say about it:

Last night’s lazy Sunday dinner was Thai take out. For me Thai and most Asian cuisine goes best with Rosé wines. This is also a throwback to my earliest wine indulging meals which usually consisted of Chinese food with only the finest white zinfandel (in the largest volume purchasable). Rosé is more readily available in the summer but more and more I am seeing it year round. Luckily my neighborhood market in the Fremont district of Seattle, has a great selection of wines including half a dozen or more Rosé wines year round. The Northwest Wine Academy “Baywatch Baxter” Rosé peaked my interest and I had it once before so I wanted to revisit it.

Like most Rosé wines, the “Baywatch Baxter” is first and foremost a fresh and fruity wine. It is slightly dry but very bright and has a really nice mouthfeel. In addition to the fruits the maker suggests, cherry, rhubarb and cranberry, I also tasted watermelon, particularly watermelon rind. This is actually a flavor / finish I love (not only in wine but also oysters go figure). I felt it paired really well with the spice of the Thai food and would recommend it with similar meals as well as BBQ and grilled meats and fishes. It would also go well with pizza. Very drinkable and quite enjoyable.

Would Bukowski drink it? This sh*t is like candy Dave. 

Overall Rating: 4 BUKS

4-BUKS