Tasting notes:

This fascinating rosé, which isaged for two years in Austrian oakbarrels, is a top expression fromthe great Château Gassier, and anotable addition to the world of ‘serious’pink wines. Not only is the rosé alreadyalmost five years old, but it also employsa range of vessels, including woodendemi-muids, to ferment and age thewines. The result is a complex rosé with avery pale peach and salmon colour, andcharacters that are a mix of juicy berriesand oxidative, dried fruit flavours too. Insome ways reminiscent of a classic whiteRioja, there is a combination of nuts andvanilla, with some peach and pear, thenapple skin and a sour cider-like note onthe finish, giving the rosé a refreshing andslightly bitter edge. (Patrick Schmitt MW)