2010 Garrus

Bright orange-pink. Potent, oak-spiced aromas of candied orange, raspberry, vanilla and honey, with a hint of apricot in the background. Deeply pitched red berry and citrus fruit flavors show a strong oak influence and pick up smoke and candied rose nuances with air. Clings with serious tenacity on the finish, leaving notes of vanilla bean and raspberry preserves behind. Pretty far removed from most folks' definition of rose but an awfully interesting wine nonetheless.

The official technical detail on this wine is identical to that provided by the producer for their Les Clans bottling. Grenache and Vermentino, 90% free run, elevage in demi muids with bâtonnage etc. Equally pale. Broad, heavy bottle. More focused and intense on the nose than Les Clans. Quite a big-boned wine but lip smacking and satisfying. Reverberant and impressive.  Lots of mass and tension here yet within the subtle Provençal genre.  Racy and almost rigid at the moment because there is so much structure.  But you could already enjoy it –  if someone else was prepared to buy it for you. (JR)

Thank goodness the label now has a nice big G on it to distinguish it from the several other cuvees of pink wine at Sacha Lichine's now famous estate in Provence. Very pale salmon pink indeed.  Pretty intensely herbal nose. Then broader and more open than some previous vintages. Already quite broachable with great intensity on the finish, willing you to drink this with food rather than slurping it as an aperitif.  Great balance despite the alcohol. Round texture. Just a hint of something sweet and still a little astringent.  Should be great in summer 2012. (JR)