I provided the first wine at the Elitistreview 20th anniversary lunch, a magnum of Champagne Roederer Rosé 2012. The first rosé wine mentioned on Elitistreview was also a Champagne, but it was corked!
The first still rosé to get a positive comment on my organ was, perhaps unsurprisingly given my penchant for Mourvèdre, a Bandol rosé and the extent of my appreciation of it was that it helped us cool off!
My excellent friend Jeremy Seysses, boss of Domaine Dujac, mentions several rosé Champagnes in his 2009 report on a trip to the region. The advice in that article is still meritorious of heeding.
There are a few other mentions of rosé fizz throughout the years, but only two fleeting references to still rosé until 16 years into the blog when, with the help of one of the first ones I have actually enjoyed, I spell out (for those who has not guessed) that I despise nearly all rosé. Hampshire’s Black Chalk Dancer in Pink I review in that article is lovely but get it young and fresh.
Champagne Rosé 2012, Maison Louis Roederer
The Champagne Rosé 2012 from Roederer was charged with sweet fruit and winsome charm but it packed a punch with a lot of autolytic toastiness and a huge chalky grip.
Enormously long with complex flavours persisting with that chalky grip. I love the energy it has! It is a thrill as well as a fruity charmer.
I have had this wine in bottle recently, and it is very mature. This magnum was fresh and sprightly and has years of pleasure giving ahead of it; I wonder when I will open my remaining magnum – no rush!
