Rating System
(92-100 points)
A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship.
(86-91 points)A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.
(80-85 points)An above-average wine at a reasonable price point, which many consumers will enjoy.
FIVE STARS
(97) Champagne Henriot, Brut Rosé (France). A stunning example of a world-class rosé Champagne. From the brilliant salmon-pink color to the fine and delicate mousse, you can see its pedigree. Delicate strawberry and cherry on the nose are followed by a palate of complexity and elegance. A long, balanced finish confirms the wine’s pedigree and class. Outstanding. ($70)
(95) Chateau Grande Cassagne Rosé 2014 (France). A blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah with a gorgeous, brilliant ruby color with fresh, ripe aromas of lilac and raspberry. Flavors of sweet/tangy berry and cherry dazzle the palate and finish with racy, crisp acidity. A perfect warm-weather aperitif. ($11)
(95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé 2014 (California). A lovely pink/salmon color greets the eye. Aromas of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of lilac lead to rich flavors of wildberry, melon and mandarin. Around all is a wisp of sweet mint. The finish is long and zesty with a touch of Alexander Valley “terroir.” Try this with pasta Alfredo. ($15)
(95) Domaine du Tariquet Rosé 2014 (France). A neat blend of 30% merlot, 30% cabernet franc, 15% tannat and 25% syrah. Hints of pomegranate, cherry and raspberry tantalize the nose and show up on the palate with a bit of ginger and pear. The mouthfeel is rather delicate, but intriguing. The finish is clean, refreshing and very satisfying. An elegant, delicious wine. ($13)
(95) Domaine Saint Antoine Rosé 2014 (France). This is 100% syrah—and it shows. The wine’s color is cherry red. There’s a floral bouquet with notes of rose petal followed by cherry and red currant. Those fruit flavors continue on the palate with hints of spice and minerality. The finish is long, lively, and lip-smacking, with just a bit of sweet fruit. Pair this with grilled salmon. ($11)
(95) Guilhem Moulin De Gassac Rosé 2014 (France). A blend of 50% grenache and 50% carignan from 25- to 50-year-old vines grown on stony soils. The color is pretty—a pale carnation pink. Nuances of peach, strawberry, wildflower and flint all harmonize on the nose. Flavors of not-quite-ripe raspberry, apricot and peach delight the palate and finish with crisp sweet/tart acidity balanced with a hint of minerality. A terrific thirst quencher. ($12)
(93) Domaine Le Pive Gris Vin Rosé 2014 (France). Don’t be fooled by the tropical fruit in the nose. This pale-pink wine, featuring four grapes (merlot, grenache noir, grenache gris, cabernet franc), is actually a dry, light blend. Perfect for enjoying outdoors on a summer’s eve. ($15)
(93) Gruet Sparkling Brut Rosé NV (New Mexico). Always a favorite; fresh, dry and rich with hints of strawberries, raspberries and cherry; consistent quality. Great with ham, Indian food and appetizers. ($17)
(92) Chateau La Tour St Anne Rosé 2014 (France). This delicate wine delivers cherry and strawberry notes. It pairs well with lighter dishes or on its own, and should be served well chilled. ($15)
(92) Domaine St Croix Cuvee Montlaures 2014 (France). Lively and elegant, full-up berries and minerality leading to a balanced, fruity finish. ($24)
(92) Dr. Konstantin Frank, Dry Rosé 2014 (New York). The darker pink color showcases the blend of different varieties—pinot noir, merlot, cabernets sauvignon and franc. Ripe and attractive berry fruit on the nose is followed by a taste that’s clean and bright, with a refreshing and satisfying finish. ($15)
(92) Martin Ray Vineyards and Winery Rosé of Pinot Noir 2014 (California). This rosé from the Russian River Valley will awaken your senses starting with its pink rose-petal color followed by floral notes of raspberry and orange blossoms and continuing with beautiful tropical fruit and lime flavors. Medium bodied with excellent balance. ($15)
(92) Villa Sandi Il Fresco Rosé (Italy). A lovely and bright blend of glera and pinot nero. A small amount of the red wines is added to the white, contributing to the pale salmon color. Fresh berries on the nose are followed by the bright fruit, with some added weight and complexity. A longer finish adds to the appeal. ($15)
FOUR STARS
(91) Casa Ferreirinha, Vinha Grande Rosé 2014 (Portugal). A wonderful example of a Portuguese rosé. Produced in the Douro Valley using one of the promary port production varieties, Touriga Nacional, the wine is pale pink in the glass. The nose is dominated by attractive red fruit and berry notes. The palate is bright and fresh, with a long and well balanced finish. Great with a wide range of foods. ($15)
(91) Castello Banfi Centine Rosé 2013 (Italy). A Super Tuscan rosé; a blend of sangiovese, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. A bright pale pink, the nose is highlighted by wild berry and some cherry. The taste is similar, with bright and clean berry fruit, with good texture and structure. The finish is clean, and bright. Exceptionally refreshing and tasty. ($12)
(91) Charles & Charles 2014 (Washington). Vibrant pink with complex flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. A blend of syrah, mourvedre, cabernet, grenache and cinsault. A touch of citrus on the finish cleanses the palate for the next sip. ($12)
(91) Chateau Riotor Cotes de Provence Rosé 2013 (France). An elegant rosé from the heart of Provence grown in soils of sand and red schist. This is quite refined, and shows lots of Provencal character with notes of watermelon, strawberries and minerals. Vibrant acidity makes this a great pairing for light fair or just a wonderful, refreshing thirst quencher. ($20)
(91) Domaine de Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé 2014 (France). From the obscure Loire Valley appellation (Reuilly), 100% pinot gris. Beautiful light salmon color. This leans to the lighter side, but still very serious. More citrus notes, grapefruit and maybe some pear. Great mineral notes. ($22)
(91) Domaine Pegau, Pink Pegau Rosé 2014 (France). This salmon-colored Rhone from southern France is cool on the palate with fresh hints of lemon and grapefruit. A mouth-watering dry rosé that leaves you wanting more. Excellent as an aperitif or served with meaty fish. ($20)
(91) Fattoria di Magliano, Ilario Rosato 2014 (Italy). From the same region of production where many Super Tuscan wines are produced, this rosé of Sangiovese is sure to please. Salmon pink in color, the bright and lovely cherry and berry fruit notes on the nose are inviting. The palate is clean and vibrant, with a good backbone. A great food-pairing wine. ($19)
(91) Jaboulet Parrallèle 45 Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2014 (France). Composed of a typical southern Rhône blend of grenache, cinsault and syrah, the wine is a pale salmon in the glass. On the nose and palate, there is an attractive compbination of bright red fruit, with hints of citrus. Exceptionally refreshing, this could be your “go-to pink” for the spring and summer. ($13)
(91) Le Cirque, Cotes Catalanes Rosé 2014 (France). A beautiful shade of pink, this three-grape blend (grenache noir, syrah, grenache gris) has ripe strawberry and spice flavors with a long finish. For those looking for a gateway from red to rosé, this is your bottle. ($14)
(91) Muxagat 2013 Rosé (Portugal). This bright pink rosé of Touriga Nacional is a fine example of high-quality Douro Valley winemaking. Bright pink in the glass, the nose is dominated by fresh red berries. With some aging in older French barrels, the wine has more weight and texture than most rosés. The finish is long and dry, making the wine a great, food-friendly choice. ($18)
(91) Rosé de Floridene 2014 (France). Tangy red currant and cherry flavors show good energy and lift with a spine of juicy acidity. A floral quality comes up on the zesty finish, which leaves a tangy berry skin note behind. ($20)
(91) Vinha da Defesa Rosé 2014 (Portugal). This blend of syrah and aragonês (tempranillo) is a brilliant deep pink in the glass. The nose of red berries is echoed by the palate. The finish is lingering and balanced. A great wine of class and refinement. ($15)
(90) Angels and Cowboys, Sonoma County Rosé 2014 (California). When you taste this rosé, the first thing you will notice is its creamy complexity with bright acidity. With hints of strawberry and citrus lime, this blend of grenache, malbec, pinot noir and tempranillo is perfect for sipping. ($15)
(90) Broadbent, Vinho Verde Rosé (Portugal). This rosé from Portugal’s largest wine region is truly a crowd pleaser, perfect for a summer party or a weeknight gathering. This low-alcohol wine has a light effervescence with a ripe raspberry emphasis and will satisfy both the wine novice and the connoisseur. ($12)
(90) Chateau de la Selve “Maguelonne” Ardeche 2014 (France). An organic blend of grenache, cinsault and syrah. Fresh and delicate—aromatic fruit with a touch of minerality. ($11)
(90) Chateau Fabregues Costieres de Nimes 2014 (France). A nice rosé waiting to be discovered—it is supple in the mouth with a nice finish and good body full of fresh fruity flavors. ($16)
(90) Domaine Fontanyl Rosé de Provence 2014 (France). Lively and fragrant, this beautiful rosé from Provence shows alluring aromas of ripe berries and dark flowers. The flavors of ripe strawberry and wild cherry are presented in a sophisticated manner that preserves the character of the fruit, but in a dry, straightforward style. ($15)
(90) Domaine Guy Mousset Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2014 (France). This delightful and crisp rosé offers fresh flavors of strawberry and cherry. Made primarily from grenache, this dry and clean rosé is nicely balanced with a refreshingly long finish. ($15)
(90) Fattario di Bisciano Rosado di Toscana 2013 (Italy). This rosé of 100% Sangiovese provides a nice textural experience with seemingly contradictory tart cranberry and ripe cherry flavors accented by hints of fresh-chopped herbs. The finish has a touch of sweetness that makes this ideal for consuming with spicy cuisine. ($11)
(90) Hofer Rosé Zweigelt 2014 (Austria). Beautiful color; filled with enticing aromas of wild strawberries and a hint of spice on the finish. More full-bodied than most rosés. ($17)
(90) Inman Family Endless Crush 2014 (California). This single-vineyard rosé of pinot noir is an outstanding example of grape growing and winemaking. Pale pink in the glass, the nose is complex and clean. Notes of red berry, tropical fruit, as well as some hints of citrus. The palate parallels the nose, with plenty of bright refreshing flavors and textures. A special rosé for a special occasion. ($25)
(90) Le Canon de Montpezat 2014 (France). A blend of merlot and cabernet franc, this rosé is made from direct pressing the berries without maceration and low temperature, to obtain a pale color and retain its freshness. It offers beautiful floral and berry notes. ($17)
(90) Le Rosé de Mouton Cadet 2013 (France). Produced from typical Bordeaux red grape varieties, the wine is a bight pink in the glass, with slight salmon notes. On the nose, there’s lots and lots of berry fruit, and a subtle floral hint. The palate is bright and clean, with plenty of clean fruit and an intriguing texture. Showing plenty of class and elegance. ($11)
(90) Lioco “Indica” Rosé Mendocino (California). 100% old-vine carignan. This wine has a wild side: Everything from rhubarb, wild strawberries, and raspberry with hints of stone fruit. A great food wine. ($19)
(90) Marqués de Cáceres Dry Rosé 2013 (Spain). Produced from tempranillo, the iconic grape of the Rioja region, the wine is a bright, medium-salmon pink. The nose is comprised of fresh berries, with a slight floral aspect—very enticing. The palate is bright and fresh, and the elegant berry flavors persist through the balanced finish. ($9)
(90) Mezzacorona Rosé 2014 (Italy). From northern Italy, the wine is composed of Lagrein, an outstanding variety of the area. Bright pink with purple hints, the wine provides a lovely bouquet of red fruit and subtle floral notes. The palate is balanced by the clean, bright fruit, as well as the backbone and structure common to so many wines of the region. Great with food, it is a very satisfying wine. ($12)
(90) Niner Estate Rosé of Grenache 2013 (California). 100% grenache from the winemaker’s Paso Robles estate. A beautiful nose of strawberries, flowers and minerals are reinforced on a pleasantly oily palette. A framing of lively acidity completes the package. ($20)
(90) Saget La Perriere Rosé 2014 (France). This 100% rosé of pinot noir is sourced from a couple of diverse regions, contributing to its complexity. A bright pink with subtle salmon tones in the glass. The nose is comprised of fresh berry, bright cherry and a subtle floral note. The taste is fresh and clean, with a long and balanced finish. ($14)
(89) Blackbird Vineyards, Napa Valley Arriviste Rosé 2014 (California). The initial hints of sweetness of the Bordeaux varietal grapes in this wine (cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc) give way to its more masculine style with strong complexity and depth. This wine is crisp with tart cherry and bright acidity. ($26)
(89) Chateau Belingard Bergerac Rosé 2014 (France). This mouth-watering rosé starts with aromas of exotic fruits, followed by a mini explosion of black currant and cherry flavors. Quite round on the palate, this rosé is a wine for both thirst and pleasure. ($13)
(89) Chateau de la Roulerie Les Camelias Rosé de Loire 2014 (France). Smooth, fresh and clean with good body. An alternative to a traditional rosé from Loire that is sometimes quite dry, this offers beautiful strawberry and fruit notes. ($15)
(89) Chateau de Nages Buti Nages Nimes Rosé (France). A blend of grenache and syrah serve up fragrant and fresh aromas of ripe cherries and melon mixed with rose petals, fading into a crisp, clean finish.
(89) Chateau de Rouet Cotes de Provence Rosé 2014 (France). Moderately sweet orange blossom aromas, pale orange color, dry on the palate with tangerine notes, medium-bodied and refreshing. ($14)
(89) Chemin des Sables IGP Cotes Revees 2014 (France). “Chemin des sables,” translated as “sand trail,” transports you to the South of France with fresh, light and delicious flavors of strawberry and citrus fruits. ($12)
(89) Domaine de la Presidente Rosé Rosa Rosam 2014 (France). The nose is expressive and pleasant, dominated by red currant. The mouth is velvety smooth and unctuous with lots of finesse and fresh fruit aromas. ($13)
(89) Domaine Houchart “Tradition” Rosé 2014 (France). From cabernet sauvignon, cinsault, grenache, syrah. Perennial star in the region. Great price/value ratio. Mostly ripe red fruits, wild strawberry and some hints of grapefruit. ($16)
(89) H to H Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2014 (France). This rosé is blended to deliver the true characteristics of refreshing acidity and red fruit flavors. This wine pairs beautifully with seafood and lighter fare. ($13)
(89) J Vineyards Russian River Valley Vin Gris 2013 (California). A 100% pinot noir rosé with a flowery aroma. Crisp with strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavors. Pleasant lingering finish. ($19)
(89) Las Rocas Rosé of Garnacha 2014 (Spain). 100% old-vine grenache from Calatayud in Northeast Spain. Tremendous value. Aromatic with exuberant red raspberry flavors. Lush texture and juicy finish. ($11) (Las Rocas)
(89) Frontera VV (Chile). Always a unique blend—refreshing, soft red fruits. Great with shellfish and summer fare. Good value and a crowd pleaser. ($6)
(88) Bougrier Rosé d’Anjou 2014 (France). This crisp, refreshing Loire Valley rosé is filled with fresh berry and fruit notes and is perfect to be enjoyed on its own or with lighter fare. ($13)
(88) Chateau Beaulieu Rosé, Coteaux D’aix-En-Provence (France). Four grape blend. Aroma of flowers. Raspberry and strawberry flavors. Dry finish.
(88) Chateau de Cornemps Rosé 2014 (France). A delightful rosé made from the classic Bordeaux grapes. A fresh nose hinting at red fruit aromas give way to flavors of strawberries and cherries all packed in a bright, crisp package with a dry finish. ($15)
(88) D’Autrefois Rosé de Pinot Noir 2014 (France). This delightful dry rosé, made from 100% Pinot Noir, is filled with fresh strawberry and cherry aromas. A pleasant acidity balances the fruity palate. ($14)
(88) Dune Gris de Gris (France). Pink grapefruit and white peach aromas of flavors with an extremely well balanced finish. ($9)
(88) Los Rocas Rosé, Calatayud (Spain). 100% g. Light bodied and crisp with strawberry and cherry flavors. Fairly long, pleasant dry finish. A good buy. ($12)
(88) Reserve de la Saurine Rosé 2014 (France). Nice melon aromas, pale pink color, crisp acidity, melon and peach flavors with a long finish, an excellent value. ($9)
(87) WYSIWYG Rosé 2014 (France). A light, salmon pink color that has a very expressive bouquet revealing aromas of fresh fruit and strawberry. ($10)??