Isabel Mondavi

Do you like cran-raspberry juice drink with a little alcohol zip? If yes, then you'll love this Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Rose from Isabel Mondavi. For me, it tastes like a wine that doesn't know whether it wants to be a red or a rose. Perhaps this is why I don't see many Cab Sav Roses. Like all roses it is drinkable for me - but really not good - so I won't look for it. Dedicated readers know what Mrs. Vino thought of this Rose!

Ginerosat - Priorat 2007

Dedicated readers of this space know that I'm crazy for Roses on a hot summer night - while Mrs. Vino is more selective - leaning towards the bolder (and redder) of the Roses - if that makes any sense. Wine is meant to be shared so I inquire about some bolder Roses at my favorite wine store in Holliston. The proprietor suggests this Grenache and Merlot blend from the Priorat region in Catalan Spain. This DOC region in Spain is known for their bold wines where the vine roots thrive in slate and quartz soil. This Rose may be the boldest I've ever enjoyed - so good suggestion! Now that I've probably purchased 5+ cases of wine from the propietor do you suppose I should get to know her name? What a reserved Yankee I really am. Next time. Anyway, the wine screams cherry at me - but I also keep finding other strong flavors: citrus/acid and perhaps the power of suggestion has taken hold - but it has a slatey flavor. I'll certainly save some for Mrs Vino for tomorrow night. Tonight she's cooing over Bon Jovi with her Book (drinking) Club buddies. What an interesting wine! I hope you can find it. I paid $15 - prior to my 20% case (plus:) discount!

Domaine du Chateau d' Eau - Moillard

Comfortable in my masculinity, I'm never afraid to go pink - at least in the summer. This 2008 somehow survived last summer in my basement and I couldn't motivate to pull it out over the winter. So while I'm a little late in getting to this one, I threw it in for the 4th of July weekend (2010) in Maine and very glad I did. The color of this rose stands out as my whole family notices its' deeper rustier colors. I find it has just a bit more weight than most roses and that finding is confirmed when Mrs. Vino tries - and likes this wine. She's typically not a rose fan. As the wine is 70% syrah, I wonder if the boldness of that varietal is giving it more oomph. This wine would go with almost any foods - but we actually enjoyed it with lobster by the lake - on a warm summer night! Happy Birthday USA! (70% Syrah and 30% Cinsault)

Red Bicyclette French Rose

This is why you read a wine blog written by an accountant. A $7 bottle of wine that is perfect for the summer BBQ. Light, dry and refreshing. Chill it, drink it and be sure lots of friends and family are around to have some fun with!

Rose - Domaine Massamier La Mignardie

A sideways photo to reveal an empty bottle of rose - NOT an incompetent PC photo teckie! :) It also is a tribute to the movie! A nice summer sipper that even Mrs. Vino liked. She's not always a rose fan. Dry with strawberry flavors. 80%Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 10% Grenache. I score it a 88. Not bad for an $11 French wine I just bought on a whim.

Rose Beaujolais - Chateau du Basty 2007

Sorry - can't get a good photo of the label. I love this one. My brother gave me a case of Beaujolais as an x-mas gift and I'll clear 'em out soon now that the warmer weather is here. While not exciting, this wine has that nice acid that I taste in the back of my mouth. There is a distinct strawberry flavor. I'll score it 88 point. Mrs. Vino is away with her book club ladies so she can't comment, but she's generally not a big fan of pink. I love pink. It is a great color and pink wines are cool once the summer weather arrives.