The 2009 Tavel La Dame Rousse rose (60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Clairette) is a bigger effort displaying impressive notes of spring flowers, red and black currants, cherries, strawberries, and licorice. Aromatically, it reminds me of a red wine. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied with super fruit as well as a lush personality. To me, it is nearly the equivalent of the more expensive Tavel La Reine des Bois. Although the 2009 Tavel Rose La Reine des Bois is too expensive for this report ($34.00; rated 92 points), I mention it here because for two of the last three vintages it has been the finest dry rose I have tasted from France. However, the quality of the other Mordoree roses for a much lower price are so good, it is hard to justify the higher priced La Reine des Bois. Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; Fax (540) 722-9258

An astoundingly characterful rose, the Mordoree Tavel has a hugely complex nose of cherry, carnation and strawberry set against a backdrop of herbes de Provence. Intensely flavorful in the mouth, this wine finishes on a long note of lemon zest and white cherries. An excellent foil for roast pork. ——W.E.(7/1/2010)—— 90