Provence Rosé is some of the most food friendly wine on the planet, and at the end of summer, it’s a great transitional way to enjoy the bounty of the coming harvest.  Slightly herbaceous, and with plenty of acidity, they make fantastic partners for fresh seafood, grilled vegetables, and spending time with friends.  Emblazoned with a stag that forcibly reminded me of the House Baratheon, Château Pas du Cerf Rosé is certainly attractive and has the look to help close out the summer, but does it have the taste?

[Disclaimer: The following bottle was generously provided as a sample.  For more on this, check out our sample policy.]

Sight:  A beautiful pale copper – orange.  Light, transparent, and shimmering.

Smell:  Dried cherries and lychees come up off the top, followed by a good amount of sage.  Potpourri, jammy raspberries, and fresh strawberries jump in with some citrus and tropical notes (like pineapple).  The nose isn’t punchy, and is more subtle, and seems to wander through the scents.

Sip:  The body is smooth, almost polished feeling, but vibrant.  Orange pith, dried cranberries, and hints of roses come through with touches of salted sea breeze and sage.   The flavor is very subtle, but has very good texture.

Savor:  The ending pulls in more sage, with touches of dried cherries and a little bit of orange pith.  The finish is rather long and rolling.

Château Pas du Cerf Rosé is an exercise in restraint, and produces an elegant wine with plenty of charm.  The flavors are all very flowing, and roll gently through the gamut from orange to floral.  The sage is very clear, and the subtle undercurrents of herbs that run throughout give a great sense of place with Provence. The subtly will go well with grilled vegetables and lighter dishes,  like roasted fish or seafood stew.  As a gentle way to say goodbye to summer, Château Pas du Cerf Rosé is beautiful example.

Verdict:  Sage, Dried Cherry, Orange Pith, Subtle & Smooth
Rating: 82
Price: $16
Blend: 60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Tibouren
Provence, France
http://www.pasducerf.com/fr/vins-et-tarifs-nos-vins-roses