Very pale cherry pink in color, the 2015 Rose Arido (a blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Pinot Meunier) delivers cherry cough syrup, tomato leaf and sautéed herbs notes. Light-bodied, dry, crisp and just a little green / vegetal in the mouth, it finishes with sour cherry notes and a bit bitter.

The 2010 Rose Arido is produced from 100% Grenache, non-irrigated bush vines. Very pale cherry pink in color, its nose is youthfully mute from being bottled just a month prior to my tasting, with subtle notes of red cherries and cranberries, plus some black pepper. Dry and medium bodied with medium-high acid, this is a well balanced wine of moderate concentration and a long finish. Drink it now through 2012. Highly skilled and passionate wine-crafter Stephen Pannell produces a couple of Pronto label wines that are perhaps a little misleading in that the name may suggest that they’re strictly for early drinking. While they might be approachable earlier than his straight varietal labels, the Pronto wines are, in fact, well put-together blends of a very serious nature, and by the way, they offer great value too. Importer: Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376

The 2007 Grenache Rose was sourced from 45-year-old Grenache vines in Blewitt Springs. Medium pink it has a fragrant perfume of strawberry, cherry, and rhubarb. Ripe, full-flavored, yet elegant, it offers excellent intensity and superior length. It would go well with a pulled pork sandwich and other spicy foods. Importer: Ben Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376