The 2011 Le Rose’ de Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Rose’ is a blend of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from many vineyards in the Bordeaux wine AOC. The Mouton Cadet label is Baron Rothschild’s entry level wine and it was started in 1930 after a series of very bad vintages, he would not sell the bad vintage wine as his Flagship wine, so he started a value label and sold the wine at a reduced price. To put it very simply, a Rose’ is Red wine grapes made with White wine production techniques. 75% of this Rose’ was made using the Saignee Method, that is where the “must” (crushed grape pulp, bits and juice) has some of the juice removed from the tank. This causes the remaining juice to become more intense, receiving more color and tannins from the skins and grape residue. The remaining 25% is the Rose’ that did not use the Saignee Method. The wine was aged in vats for no more than 4 months and the alcohol content is 12.5%.
The color is halfway between Barbie doll pick and apricot. The nose is subdued, faint strains of strawberry, black cherry and raspberry, along with lemonade. The Rose’ de Mouton Cadet is very balanced, tannins and structure are equal partners with fruit flavors. It starts with hints of cherry and raspberry that intensify as you reach the mid palate. This is a Rose’ that builds goes along, on first sip you think it is a little flavor challenged, on second sip it all comes together. There is a good streak of acidity running thru the body of this Rose’ and the tannins bring an interesting texture. The finish is full and long.
The Rose’ de Mouton Cadet is a Rose’ with enough oomph, to not only be a summer wine, but to satisfy when the temperatures turn cold. The Mouton Cadet wines are widely available, I found this at a supermarket on sale for $6.99 and at that price it is a whole lotta Rose’.
