(Almost)Love at First Sight
Have you ever had a wine visually knock your socks/stockings/l'eggs off?
It's rare that the mere sight of vino hanging out in a clear glass/crystal tub causes oenoinfatuation. Sure, bubbly looks enticing and can capture one's imagination. But still wine? It typically doesn't dazzle the visual senses.
Until now. I poured a glass of Domaine du Gros Nore Bandol Rose and was immediately mesmerized. This pink wine, isn't really pink. It's a lovely copper-salmon-caramel color. How does wine evolve such a sublime color? Who wouldn't love it?
Alas, my visual affair with Domaine du Gros was short lived. Gros Nore is exceedingly subtle on the scent front. Fine tune your sniffer, and you'll uncover earthy-herby aromas along with a bit o' berry. In the mouth, G.N. is also restrained. It's hefty @ around 15% alcohol, but still manages to maintain a zesty dimension. Sad to say, the flavors are buried underneath the wine's rather stout body. Overall, the wine is pleasant, but at nearly $20, I might find it difficult to spring for a second time. Of course, that visual peepshow of ultra-unique color is worth at least one trip to the wine shop. Give it a try, or at least, a gander.
The Skinny: Domaine du Gros Nore Bandol Rose 2005 ($19-$20)
- From the oft overlooked Southern France Appellation of Bandol.
- A blend of Mourvedre, Cinsault & Grenache.
- Imported by Kermit Lynch
- Lest you overwhelm its delicate flavors, serve this wine with light/subtle fare such as grilled chicken breast or pasta prima vera.
Kermit Lynch. Bandol Rose. Not a far stretch there. They should make rose the official drink of Berkeley.
Nice review.
Posted by: lisa | 19 July 2007 at 05:14 AM