Mas Carlot does an admirable job with roses, and although this wine is probably sold out (as it should be), the 2010 Rose Tradition is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. What makes it one of the better roses is its display of minerality as well as dry, intense flavors with good grip, something most roses tend to lack. Mas Carlot is run by the female half of the husband and wife team of Nathalie Blanc-Mares and Cyril Mares. Cyril is responsible for the Mas des Bressades wines, which are consistently excellent, as are these. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

The 2010 Tradition is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. This wine has deep black cherry notes along with some licorice, charcoal and damp earth. It was tightly knit when I saw it, since it had probably just been bottled, but displays good roundness, structure and depth. Mas Carlot is run by the female half of the husband and wife team of Nathalie Blanc-Mares and Cyril Mares. Cyril is responsible for the Mas des Bressades wines, which are consistently excellent, as are these.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083