2019 Chateau Romassan

Pale, bright-hued orange. Displays an impressive array of citrus and pit fruit, red berry, floral and succulent herb qualities on the mineral-driven nose. Offers palate-staining strawberry, pomegranate, blood orange, white peach and honeysuckle flavors that are at once concentrated and lively. Deftly plays richness off of elegance and pick up a spicy nuance as it opens up. Hangs on with remarkable tenacity, echoing the floral and pit fruit notes. I wish that people, many of whom I suspect have never even tried them, could look past the fact that while the wines made by this impeccably run, no-expense-spared domaine have a reputation for being the rosés of choice in swanky summer locales, they're the real deal. That's not just in the pink wine category. Even if this one is relatively expensive for the Bandol category it's actually a compelling value as world-class wines go.

A blend of 60% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault and 15% Grenache, the 2019 Bandol Rose Chateau Romassan boasts flowing, elegant aromas of crushed stone, wild strawberries, raspberries, melon and ripe citrus. It's medium to full-bodied, delivering plenty of flavor intensity on the silky palate, then gradually fading on the long finish.