Rosé tasting results

A suitably hot and dry day graced this Rosé tasting, with six wines provided and tasted by Deborah, Simon, Heike, Greg, Phil and myself.

Opininon was divided, and initially it was a 3-way tie between 4, 5 and 6. But with further drinking I believe 4 became the favourite.

My thanks to everbody for coming, making for a fun afternoon and a great Birthday dinner later on. I had a lovely day and enjoyed myself stupid.


1. Wirra wirra Mrs Wigley Rosé 2006
Lovely pale pink fuscia, the bouquet was quite sweet and candied with a little musk. On the palate it was quite crisp, with twinkling berry fruits. Quite light and thin in body with not much complexity, it would be perfect for lazy afternoons and children's parties.

2. Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé 2006
Pale copper pink, the bouquet held melon, white pepper, with strawberry and cherries. Palate wise it had a good rounded body, very soft and balanced. Nice length and finish. A cross between a soft French style and a dry Spaniard. Delicious.

3. SHW Altitude 676 Rosé 2006
A little deeper in colour, the bouquet I believe had passionfruit, grass, berries and spice, although others didn't find or chose to ignore the passionfruit. Quite well balanced with a very refreshing, soft, savoury and easy drinking quality. While it didn't win, I think this is a great value rosé, and the best wine I have had from this winemaker.

4. Cabernet D'Anjou Reserve Des Vignerons 2004 - WINNER
Delicate copper-pink, the bouquet is very soft and poised, with strawberry, bread and biscuit. On the palate it was very soft and dry, with superb balance, body and finish, not dissimilar to a Pink Champagne. Wonderful to taste some of the last bottles we can find.

5. Pepperjack Grenache Rosé 2005
Dark ruby red, the bouquet was quite robust with raspberry, strawberry, candy and a little spice. On the palate it was juicy, almost chewy, with acidity strong, but in balance. Probably the most masculine rose in the line up, but a very enjoyable and well made wine. Would suit a sausage sandwich.

6. Château de la Mallevieille Rosé 2004
From Bergerac, the colour was a vivid deep ruby fuscia, with a great crimson orange through it. On the bouquet it was quite woody, with soft berry fruits and some herbs. On the palate it was probably the driest of the wines, due to the oak. Racy but controlled acidity made it work well with pate and meats, but equally with fruit.