2012 Petite Rousse

"Vibrant floral, strawberry cream aromas, verging on huckleberry and minerals".

Fans of our previous vintages of Petite Rousse will find those words surprising descriptors of this summertime gem. But the cellar team convinced me that the 2012 Cinsault was so pure that they could make a true, classic Southern Rhone rosé style, unencumbered by the "deeper red" direction that I always insisted on.

Given the green light, they jumped on it and they delivered as promised. Reminiscent of those satisfying pink-hued beauties of Provence, the 2012 Petite Rousse is supple and full, yet bright, crisp and juicy. At 80% Cinsault it's filled with high-toned berry fruit, and the addition of ten percent each of Grenache and Syrah rounds things out with a bit of cream and richness. I'm so glad they got their way.

Enjoy Petite Rousse this summer at the grill or with lazy hours in the sun.