WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Paul Mas Côté Mas Rosé Aurore 2016, South of France
$14 (1500 mL) | 87/100 UPC:
086785192512
One litre of gently sweet, fruity and juicy Rosé from the South of France for $14? It’s a steal. Its pale pink/ peach hue is appealing to the eye, and a chilled glass of this Grenache/ Cinsault/Syrah will be a star at summer beach parties. Juicy wild strawberries, cherry jam, light peppery spice and candied pink florals on the finish. A simple, crowd ready Rosé to stock for the summer.
Seven Directions Fruitvale Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rosé 2016, Okanagan Valley $14.69 | 89/100
UPC:
626990244110 Sourced from only Fruitvale Ridge Vineyard grapes, the least expensive Seven Directions’ coral coloured rosé is a bargain. It is made with Cabernet Franc grown on rock over gravel mixed with loam and clay. Like last year it opens with a stony mineral bent but the fruit jumps in and the acidity stiffens its resolve. We love the dryness here and the spikes of tangerine, oranges and wild berries. Delicate creamy and delicious. Super value, and there are 300 cases this year.
Harper’s Trail Rose Thad Springs Vineyard 2016, Kamloops $18.90 | 88/100
UPC:
626990128908
Expect a coral salmon colour and a quiet nose of tangerine and red berries. The attack is soft and creamy with a slightly off-dry current below a lime rind, tonic fruity finish. Quaffable and tasty, this is a summer patio scene stealer. The winery suggests cured meats, sautéed prawns, olives and bruschetta. Good value.
Quails’ Gate Rosé 2016, Okanagan Valley $16 | 88/100
UPC:
778856115246
Pink grapefruit, wild strawberry and mandarin full this sunny, bright Rosé of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Just off dry, this has a juicy flood of acidity to carry the silky palate to the crisp finish. A pillow of lees and peach fuzz on the palate keeps this in the game for pairing with lox or salmon salads.
Hester Creek Rosé Cabernet Franc 2016, Okanagan Valley $19.95 | 86/100
UPC:
626990160793
The 2016 brings a cool mix of strawberries and cream, flecked with rhubarb and bright cherry to this Cabernet Franc Rosé. Off-dry, but with a core of acidity that lifts and refreshes the palate to reveal strawberry jam, ripe pear with a dusting of cinnamon. Best chilled to contain the alcohol, nearly 14 per cent, and best enjoyed this summer.