Trying a new rosado tonight from Lanzarote, the El Grifo 2008 made with the local listan negro grape grown in volcanic ashes www.elgrifo.com as far as I know not available in the uk and it was a kind gift from some friends who spent xmas on the island (we fed their fishes!)appropriately we are having it a smoked cod and spinach paella.......

by Steve 17/01/2010 19:23

I think we have just tasted the perfect rose for NW, Montes "Cherub" rose of syrah 2008 (Chile), not only is it a full flavoured and dry with a hint of acidity, but is comes from their Archangel Estate!, just discontinued by T**co, £6.99 down to £2.99, a bargain, Rowan should pitch them for their remaining stocks!

by Steve 19/09/2009 20:27

Here's another one I tried, merely to let the other eight of you know whether to buy or not:

Chateau de Caraguilhes 2008 AC Corbieres it says on the label but someone has stuck a thing on it saying AOC Languedoc. Work that out.
13.5% alcohol. about £8 in Waitrose so not cheap, although it was on special offer, couple quid knocked off.
Made from organically produced grenache and syrah.
Back of label says "dry, elegant, fresh fruit flavours"
What do I think? The first one I've bought recently, other than from Naked, that I would say is a quality wine, but not so sure on the value for money front.
It is thirst quenching and refreshing, some red berry fruit and just a hint of cat's pee to add complexity. I liked it, but having opened the Castallo de Tafalla rose straight after finishing it, I like the latter more.
I keep hoping to find something better than wot Naked have to offer, but the season is ending and I haven't succeeded.

by Lee 18/09/2009 18:33

This didn't get automatically copied to this wall, never mind:

Comment on: Avondale Rosé 2008

Rated 5.0 stars.

Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

If you hadn't guessed, I like this one. It has everything, and then some. Defines crisp like it wasn't done properly in the dictionary beforehand. And then, just the vaguest hint of residual fruity sweetness. Not normally my thang, but it is a component in a far more complex whole that defies description, or rather doesn't defy description, says he waffling on...
Furity flavours - peach and strawberry! But in a crisp body that is far far far far far far far far far far far toooooooooooo drinkable.

Anyone that thinks rose = bbq fodder (Hannah!) come on down.

by Lee 08/08/2009 20:07

Here's another one that confirms NW has the lead on rose:

La Chapelle de L'Enclave Rosé 2008 Côtes du Rhône
Waitrose £6ish, 13% alcohol, grapes: grenache/syrah
Not bad, but those three for a tenner from Sainsbury's are as good and better value. Crisp refreshing acidity and some subtle fruit. Get in from work, pour a nice refreshing glass and chill. Robert est votre uncle.

by Lee 05/08/2009 18:46

A mate let me into Costco, and they have quite a selection of classic name wines, mostly French. Don't know what the overall quality is like, but this one caught my eye:
Domaine de la Garenne AC Bandol 2008 13.5% alcohol £8.95. Bandol reds are unique, made entirely of mourvedre, but this rose - I dunno what was in it grapewise. Like the Cotes de Provence rose at Gordon's wine bar the other night, this was very pale, almost a white wine in appearance and in flavour. Vague hint of fruitiness like a decent rose, but mostly like a bland white. Needs food, not great alone (I had to hold my nose). Overpriced. That'll teach me to buy French names, all image no quality.

by Lee 01/08/2009 18:38