2013 Tavel Rose Reine des Bois

(made from 60% grenache, 15% clairette, 15% syrah and 10% cinsault): Vivid orange-pink. Heady red berry, citrus zest and floral scents are complicated by an intense mineral quality and subtle peach and herb qualities. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering incisive raspberry, bitter cherry and white pepper flavors. Gains power on the finish, which hangs on with excellent mineral-driven tenacity.

One of the best roses in any given vintage, the 2013 Tavel Cuvee de La Reine des Bois comes from a single vineyard and is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette and Syrah. While not always the most rich in the lineup, it always seems to have the most purity, focus and length. A solid vintage for the estate, this beauty gives up ample strawberry, rose petal, watermelon and crisp minerality to go with a medium-bodied, gorgeously focused and seamless feel on the palate. A food rose, it nevertheless has the purity and lightness to stand nicely on its own. It will be better in another couple of months and drink nicely for a year or two. Importer: Fran Kysela, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; fax (540) 722-9258