Still very young and fresh-tasting, with estery notes of passion fruit, peach and citrus. It’s medium in weight, making it a versatile dining companion for the summer months. ——J.C.(8/1/2011)—— 86

Composed of primarily Grenache with the rest Syrah and Cinsault, the 2009 Cotes du Rhone Rose offers a light salmon color, zesty, cranberry and strawberry aromas, and a crisp, light to medium-bodied, fresh style. It should be consumed over the next year. Grand Veneur is one of the most brilliant estates in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as the force behind the negociant wines sold under the Alain Jaume label. Virtually everything they produce has merit. Some of this estate’s 2009 red wines are just hitting the market as they are bottled early to preserve their fruit and freshness. I can’t say enough about the job Alain Jaume’s two sons, Sebastian and Christophe, have done with this estate. The impeccable attention to detail in the vineyards, the meticulous vinification, and the careful bottling benefit every consumer.Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; Fax (540) 722-9258

A full-bodied, mouthfilling rose from the Cotes-du-Rhone, the 2007 Reserve Grand Veneur features slightly confected cherry aromas and a tangy finish. It’s a solid effort, best served alongside burgers or the like.——J.C.(10/1/2008)—— 86

——J.C.(7/1/2009)—— 82

The delicious 2003 Cotes du Rhone rose is a terrific example of a dry rose, offering loads of framboise fruit, medium to full body, more alcohol than usual (a vintage character), and a spicy, fruit-driven finish. It should be consumed by the end of 2005. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228