The 2012 Les Hauts De Lagarde Rose’ is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec grown in an organic estate vineyard near the town of Saint Laurent du Bois (the Entre-Deux-Mers region, Right Bank) in Bordeaux, France. This Rose
is certified organic and Vegan friendly. To put it simply, maybe a bit too simply, a Rose’ is Red wine grapes made with White wine production techniques. Wine gets it color from the grape skins and with Rose’ wines the skins are removed from the juice when the desired color is reached. Since oak is usually not used and since skin contact is reduced, the tannins are also reduced, flavors that are overwhelmed in Red wine have a chance to shine in a Rose’. This is a young wine, meaning it should be consumed within 2 years of release, it will not improve with aging. The alcohol content is 12.5%.
The color is salmon pink. The nose is delicate fruit and white flowers. This is a dry Rose’, not especially complex, but with pleasing flavor. It starts with strawberry and raspberry, with a little black cherry and a touch of cinnamon spice. The mid palate adds a little tart cranberry and a dash of pepper. The acidity is well balanced and the finish is fairly strong and long.
The 2012 Les Hauts De Lagarde is the flip side of a typical Bordeaux blend, all the sub flavors that are washed away by the power of a Bordeaux Red wine have a chance to be noticed in a Rose’. The Les Hauts De Lagarde has well balanced, subtle fruit flavors helped along with gentle bursts of spice. It has enough acidity and balance to pair with spicy shrimp and flavorful enough to add to a salad with strawberry vinaigrette dressing.
