Tavel is one of France’s best-known roses, and the local co-op (Les Vignerons de Tavel) accounts for approximately 45 percent of the appellation’s production. Thankfully, at least from the 2005 vintage, quality is high and prices reasonable. There are several cuvees bottled and marketed in the U.S., but one of my favorite 2005s was Les Lauzeraie, which boasts lots of mineral and crushed stone aromas. It’s quite fruit-driven and rich on the palate, full of cherries and watermelon, while the silky texture gives ita slight edge over some of the other cuvees. ——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 90