The 2019 Cotes du Rhone Rose is 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Cinsault. Darker-hued than the IGP rosé, it's also fuller-bodied, as it's produced as a saignée of riper grapes intended for production of red wine. Round and creamy on the palate, it finishes with admirable length and power, plus a savory bit of peppery spice. Think of it as an alternative to Tavel.

Produced as a saignée, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Rose is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. While fresh and citrusy, it also offers more berry fruit, even hinting at raspberries. It's larger-scaled than the IGP rosé, being medium to full-bodied, plump and creamy in feel on the palate, with a long finish.

Produced via the saignée method, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Rose is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 10% Counoise and 10% Syrah. It's a ripe, rich style of rosé, almost Tavel-like in weight and richness, with bold cherry flavors, a full-bodied palate and a long, silky-textured finish. It should drink well through the winter and into early 2019.

The 2016 Cotes du Rhone Rose is deeply colored and intense. A saignée of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, it's a big, rich rosé, silky in feel and filled with berry and chocolate fruit. It should drink well through at least spring 2018.

A heftier style, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Rose (made all via saignee and a blend of Grenache and Cinsault) has gorgeous raspberry, flowers and spice as well and rocking freshness and purity. Classy all around, with both richness and freshness, it’s a versatile rose that could stand on its own or handle food nicely. Drink it over the coming 6-8 months. Drink now. Located in the town of Courthezon, and covering 38 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and 100 acres in Cotes du Rhone, Domaine de la Janasse is run by the brother/sister pair, Christophe and Isabelle Sabon. While 2011 was a difficult vintage throughout the region, you wouldn’t know it by tasting here. These wines are superb across the board and should not be missed. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565