Domaine la Suffrene Bandol Rose 2011

Domaine la Suffrene is a marriage of old school tradition and modern innovation.  The current owner/wine maker is Cedric Gravier: the first member of his family to become a professional wine maker; however his family has been farming grapes on the Suffrene property for generations.  Cedric was the first generation to see the opportunity and take the risk of making wine himself. The winery is a similar mix of old and new, with modern temperature controlled stainless steel fermenters as well as huge old oak casks (Foudres) for ageing. 

 

Bandol Rose led the campaign to resurrect rose's reputation in America, and though there are many other roses available from all over the world, tasting this immediately demonstrates why Bandol was and still is at the fore front. 

Varietal: 40% Mourvedre, 30% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, 10% Carignan.

This is a really powerful rose.  It's pretty and elegant but there is serious depth to.  I get powerful floral aromas of lilac, as well as fresh strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of the peppery aroma of fresh thyme.

Taste: This fills your mouth.  The texture is ripe and fleshy, but there is very bright acidity too.  The fruit is concentrated very ripe ruby grapefruit.  It has a meaty component; I feel like there's enough substance that I can sink my teeth into it.  The fresh, spicy, herbal qualities are their in the back ground of the finish as well as just a hint of a zesty bitterness. 

This is a really vibrant and complex wine.  If you're looking for a killer rose for a grilled fish grilled chicken, if you want to drink a glass of concentrated Provencal France: this is you're wine.

This is about $24 at Aurora Provisions and Whole Foods.