Summer is rosé time!

France

’08 Les Vignerons d'Estezargues “From the Tank” Rosé 3.0L $32.99
This 3 liter bag in the box - that's 4 750 ml bottles - is in a class by itself, and has been praised by Oprah and is currently being served at Daniel Boulud's latest effort DBGB. Made from 100% Cinsault this unique rose is from the only organic coop in France! The nose carries loads of fresh citrus fruit overtones and a dusting of garrigue infused terroir. The palate is coated with buoyant raspberry and red currant fruit on the first sip while orange peel and pip emerge on the middle palate. The finish is mineral-drenched and succulent. I highly recommend serving this summer stunner with grilled shrimp or scallops; it also works really well with barbequed chicken. Keep a box in the fridge, as it stays fresh for weeks once it is opened, and enjoy a glass or two after work in the evening, it's a great way to beat the heat and oppressive humidity and it will help keep your A/C bill down as well.

’08 Bieler Pere Et Fils Coteaux d'Aix “Sabine” Rosé $8.99
This rosé is a beautiful salmon color. The wine shimmers in the glass with aromas of juicy watermelon flesh, rose hips and fresh strawberries; these scents carry over into the flavors possessing the evocative palate. The mouth feel of this gem is round and soft with bright, apple like acidity on the finish. While traditional Provence rosés tend toward a leaner profile, Sabine is blended for a more generous mid-palate and softer finish.

’08 Domaine Sainte Lucie “MIP” Côtes de Provence Rosé $10.99
Lively, clear pink in color, and boasting loads of strawberry, orange peel and limestone scents that reappear on the palate. The flavors on this supple wine are rich with elegant, ripe strawberry fruit and thirst quenching citrus notes accompanied by mineral nuances woven to the wine's vibrant acidity. Serve with steamed shrimp, crab cakes, grilled fish, roast chicken or char-grilled burgers slathered in barbecue sauce.

’08 Château du Rouët “Cuvée Réservée Tradition” Côtes de Provence Rosé $13.99
Château du Rouët, is the setting of outstanding natural beauty, the Savatier family make wines that capture all the joys of living in this earthly paradise and their rosé effortlessly distills the very essence of Provence - the summer sun in a clear blue sky, fresh fruit from the farmer's market, wild herbs growing by the side of the road - and no matter where a bottle of this rosé is opened, the palate is immediately transported to an idyllic summer holiday. Silky scents of blushing cotton candy, apple blossom and boysenberry lifted by gentle tones of warm candied apple and crushed strawberry. This pink temptress has a creamy mouth-feel with elegant peach nectar, guava paste and tart citrus flavors coasting along a bed of wet stones that linger in pools of delightful mineral complexities. Deeply nuanced and surprisingly rich-this quenchingly dry, mineral-drenched rosé treats us with its generously slurpable yet serious attributes. Treat this as more than simply an aperitif or summer quaffer. This is a formidably rich rosé that pairs wonderfully with hearty garden salads, fish, shrimp or a wide range of grilled chicken or pork dishes.

’08 Domaine de Triennes Provence Rosé $14.99
Talk about pedigree! This winery was started by Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. This superb medium bodied rosé opens with a nose of crushed strawberry and delicate red cherry pit plus hints of fresh lemon zest and white herbs. On the racy palate strawberry and watermelon flavors are prominent and shot through with a firm and crisp mineral backbone. The mineral tones follow through onto the finish and were they are joined by hints of citrus peel and herb. An excellent match with grilled fish such as tuna or salmon, try it also with chicken Caesar salad or grilled pork chops.

’08 L'Anglore Tavel Rosé $19.99
This dynamic and juicy rosé is a huge staff favorite. It has a pretty, cloudy pink color, which reflects the natural way the wine was made. The nose offers up a spellbinding array of deep raspberry, black cherry juice and strawberry scents to which orange zest, sea shell, brine and yeasty tones add loads of depth. In the mouth the wine shows fantastic integration. Orange and cherry flavors meld with notes of iron and crushed shells to form a firm, zesty and highly expressive palate. This is a very special and exquisite rosé‚ that is a perfect match with sea breem or monkfish in a Provençial sauce or pan seared pork chops, grilled lamb chops rubbed with rosemary and garlic or simply by itself on a sunny summer afternoon.

Italy

’08 Cantalupo “Il Mimo” Colline Novaresi Nebbiolo Rosé $13.99
The best thing about rosé is that it combines the fruit intensity of a red wine with the crispness of a young white wine and "Il Mimo" is a quintessential rosé. Deep pink in the glass with a rusty red core and shimmering highlights. "Il Mimo" is super fragrant on the nose with high notes of geraniums, blooming roses, freshly picked raspberry and strawberry basket scents. The palate exhibits loads of refreshing raspberry and strawberry flavors that are backed by cool mineral notes. The finish is long and supple with bright lemony flavors. Serve this gem with grilled chicken dishes, summer pasta recipes, aged cheeses and grilled sausages.

Portugal

’08 Quinta da Bacalhôa “Serras de Azeitão” VR Terras do Sado Rosé $7.99
Made from a mixture of different grape varietals, this rosé has a lovely strawberry color with aromas of red fruit, cherries and raspberries, combined with notes of wild flowers. Touriga Nacional gives the floral aroma; and Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon lend the berry aromas. The strong flavors of these fruits offer a fresh, long, and mineral laden finish.

Spain

’08 Inurrieta “Mediodia” Garnacha Spanish Rosé $10.49
This dazzling pink rose has lovely rose petal aromatics and deep fuchsia hues rounding the rim of the glass. The palate on this gem is a profound expression of red berries, cherries, dried orange peel and juicy strawberries. This stellar summer sipper offers up great balance and stealth acidity that boost the dynamic palate. Serve this with backyard bbq fare, fish tacos, and paella.

’08 Muga Garnacha Rosé $10.99
Deep salmon hues grace the glass and are set-off with bright, glinting pink highlights. Fresh fruit aromatics dominate the nose-citrus blossom, pineapple, kiwi and the suggestion of quince and red apple are there as well to back up the more tropical infused scents. The palate is as delectable as it is succulently accessible with expressive bright white fruit flavors hewn to a rustic undertone of sweet tannins and a citrus edge of supple acidity. The finish is long and ends on a refreshingly honeyed note. I highly recommend serving this with grilled lamb, grilled wild boar sausages and char-grilled burgers.

’08 Marqués de Caceres Rioja Rosé $6.99
This dry rosé shows real structure, with bold cherry and plum flavors, firm acidity and light tannins. Can stand up to food.

’08 Borsao Campo de Borga Rosé $6.99
This fruity rosé offers bright strawberry and watermelon flavors, with a touch of sweetness but also plenty of acidity for balance.

USA

’07 Fleur de California “Vin Gris” Carneros Pinot Noir Rosé $11.97
If you're looking for a domestic rose that's bright, fresh,and flavorful, look no further. Made in a crisp, dry style designed to accompany food, the wine displays aromas of strawberry and honeysuckle while exhibiting a mouthwatering finish that cleanses the palate