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Gérard Bertrand Clos du Temple Rosé 2019
Cabrières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThree months down the road from a previous tasting, there is no discernible change here. Clos du Temple is located on the historical terroir of Cabrières, in the heart of Languedoc, 240 metres above the Mediterranean with a southern/south-western exposure. Its old vines reside at the birthplace of rosé, on an eight-hectare, seven parcel site of schist and limestone. The wine is a blend of grenache, cinsault, syrah, mourvèdre, and viognier. Bertrand introduced oak to help with ageing and give the wine structure to handle main course menu items. On the palate, it is a study in refinement and grace with intense apricot and peach that stream through a sleek and creamy palate flecked with strawberries, tangerines, and grapefruit pith in the finish. A complex rosé seems like an oxymoron, but this pink is all that and more, and it will age. Look out, Provence, Gerard is coming for you. As per my last note: At $299.99 a bottle, this rosé will always be controversial, but if I am to be fair, I could say that about many wines from Napa or Bordeaux and wherever folks are reaching for the stars. Nor do I accept that because it is a rosé, it can't be priced like wines that age forever. In the end, it's the quality of the wine that matters, and this is an excellent rosé. Many have complained about the use of oak in rosé but is there not oak in some Champagnes? Don't some Chablis wines have oak in them, not to mention white Burgundy? Six months in the finest French oak barrels shouldn't be a problem for a rosé from an outstanding piece of dirt with grapes grown biodynamically.Tasted: 15 February 2021Tasted by: Prices:| CDN | $299.99 | 750ml | estimated consignment and select private wine shops |
Blend: Grenache - Cinsault - Syrah - Mourvèdre - ViognierCSPC: 173482UPC: 3514123110807
