One might refer to Margaine as a stylistic house. We don’t always play these because they definitely march to their own beat. That being said, this is probably our favorite bubbly ever from Margaine as well as one of our favorite rosés this year. It’s kind of a curious spot, a predominantly Chardonnay village in what is mainly Pinot Noir country. This small grower produces less than 5000 cases per year, and less than 600 cases of this bubbly. The composition is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir of which 11% is made up of still red wine. The difference here from past Margaines seems to be a little denser and sweeter core of fruit, with all of the other elements blended beautifully. There are the familiar dried strawberry elements to the fruit and a clearly food oriented ‘red wine’ aspect to the flavors. We have had a few truncated examples of his wines in the past. But this one is distinctive, expressive ad harmonious from front to back. This is a pretty serious rosé for this kind of price. It got our attention.
From Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Light, bright pink. Vibrant strawberry, raspberry and blood orange aromas are complemented by exotic floral and incense qualities, along with a zesty mineral undercurrent. Dry and sharply focused, offering racy red fruit and floral pastille flavors, with a slow-building note of honeysuckle. Youthful, sharply focused citrus notes linger on the spicy finish. The base of this wine is from 2006.
