ROSÉ

A deeply-fragrant rosé whose crisp, graceful Chardonnay finds its delicious complement in the fruit-rich depth of Pinot Noir and the supple roundedness of Pinot Bianco. All the grapes are gently pressed, and the wine develops its harmonious character over more than 24 months of maturation sur lie. Its gold-edged, powder-pink hue hints at fresh-picked redcurrants and cherries on the nose, which then develop into ultra-crisp apricot and wild strawberry, peony petals and blood oranges, plus a subtle vein of fresh almond and cotton candy. It opens generous, warm, and full in the mouth, with energy-laden impressions of succulent, fresh-picked pomegranate and red apple, a complex enlivened by a slender yet tangy sapidity.

The mousse of this rosé conjures up the visual impression of a very watercolour pink; pale, with a loose, gauzy, yet extremely delicate bead, that assumes an almost geometrical precision in its pattern. A brief stay on the Pinot Noir skins has created this antique-rose pink, with the merest hint of a coppery shimmer. The crown is convincing, at rest, cautious. The nose, however, comes upon one suddenly, dense with movement. It proffers ultra-ripe impressions-think vibrant wild berry, at moments superripe, yet refined; fleeting vanilla, a quick dash of iron. The palate exudes exerberance; the briefest hint of brine on opening, then a dance towards a dense, pulpy mid-palate. It lopes towards the finish, with a joy that is open-handed, extroverted, and radiant, formidably tenacious and appealing. Festive at every sip.

Stefano Caffarri