Sunday, May 31, 2009

The Best Rosé in the World


Ok. I know that's a strong statement but I just can't help myself. Every year that this bad boy comes out I just squeal like a little child & call my sales rep every day until it arrives in my store. Rosé wine is the only thing that keeps me sane during the disgustingly oppressively ridiculously hot & humid summer months in Memphis. This particular bottle is the holy grail of dry pinks. The biodynamically farmed Robert Sinskey Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2008 Los Carneros District of Napa Valley is, in my opinion, the Domaine Ott of the New World. Actually I don't know if that's the right comparison because Ott under delivers & is overpriced. I guess what I mean to say is that this is the New Worlds best example of a well made dry rosé. The color is like a rosy cheek on someone who is sexually excited, faintly flushed capillaries. Normally this color is misleading on this particular bottle given that its palate is usually just the opposite & not faint at all. But this year its austere, elegant, razor sharp & so bright & clean with a barely under ripe wild strawberry note & hints of melon. The nose exhibits white raspberry, rainier cherry & a kind of moist rock quality. Its really good juice which the very thought of puts a smile on my face. Unfortunately, we at Joe's bought up the entire retail allocation which sold out in 45 minutes. Normally I wouldn't blog about a lovely little pink that no one else can get in Memphis (I also got an email that this wine is sold out at the winery, sorry!) However, I heard a rumor that the distributor might be getting more so I'll keep you posted if I get some more in.

5 comments:

Samantha Dugan said...

Best in the world?! I may just have to disagree with you there Michael. I think it is probably one of the best in California, and they had their dry Rose in the market long before other wineries caught up. And while I do find it worthy of world class status, I think I have to toss Tempier Bandol in the ring. I drank the 2008 Sunday night while nursing my deadline blues, it was unbelievable, I have no idea how they do it, but it is (year in and year out) the best Rose I have ever had.

Michael Hughes said...

Ok Ok, Tempier is probably the best but as far as what I've had (unfortunately never had the Tempier because like so many other fabulous things its not available in Memphis!! Gaaaa!!!)the Sinskey is the best. When I'm in Portland at the end of the month & Chicago in July I'll go on a trek searching for some Tempier. There! You happy now!!! Just kidding. I tell you I just can't get enough of the pink stuff but it does seem awfully seasonal. Especially here where its oppressively hot for 3-4 months & then once the temperature dips a bit I'm craving a Barolo.....who am I kidding I'm always craving a Barolo.

Samantha Dugan said...

Michael,
Might I suggest that you call ahead to one of the wine shops in either Pertland or Chicago, and prepay for a bottle and have them hold it? The reason I say that it because, at least with us, the wine goes really fast...even at (ready for this?) $38.99 a bottle! Plus we typicaly get like an 8 case allocation and this year we got 5, so it may be a short vintage.

It's a funny thing, while it is wicked expensive for Rose, when I asked I can say with honesty...it IS $40 worth of wine, it's that good. It's regal, refined and expansive without being clunky, fruity or dense....so balanced. I really hope you get a chance to taste it, crushes Domaine Ott.

Michael Hughes said...

Thanks, Samantha, I'll do some checking around before I travel so as to be sure that I can get my hands on some of that good juice.

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