Croteaux Vineyards 2009 Ruby (Cabernet Franc Rose)

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

Okay I'll admit it. I bit of more than I could err...taste when said we'd publish a rose and riesling review every day in May. It was a fun idea, but a hectic schedule at my job made it impossible, really.

So, we'll continue writing about riesling and rose well into June -- and beyond. They are quintessential summer wines after all.

Today's wine is the Croteaux Vineyards 2009 Ruby ($24) the rose-only producers first rose made with cabernet franc. The rest of their wines are merlot. 

In the same stylistic vein as Shinn Estate Vineyards' latest release, this is anything but a wimpy rose. It's more akin to a red wine, in fact.

Black cherry and cranberry fruit aromas take center stage, but are supported by notes of earthy dried leaves and even dried mushroom -- not something you'll find in many local roses.

Feeling like a light red wine in the mouth, with both fresh acidity and subtle tannic structure, the fruit character is more cranberry than anything else with a bit of dried cherry and a rustic, earthy edge. 

This isn't for everyone, and isn't priced for every day drinking, but try it with a burger or grilled portobello mushroom sandwich at your next barbecue -- it'll work very well.

Producer: Croteaux Vineyards
ABV: 13%
Case Production: 50
Price: $24
Rating: 84

(Ratings Guide)

Comments

[Kristi Davis]

Loving the label. We will forgive you for your hectic schedule, hehe.