TASTINGS In the Pink
EVERYTHING WAS COMING UP ROSÉS AT THE TASTING PANEL'S ANNUAL CHAMPAGNE AND SPARKLING WINE TASTING
by Anthony Dias Blue / photos by Leigh Castelli
Pink was the name of the game at our annual holiday tasting of sparkling wines from around the world, held in December at white hot gastropub Waterloo & City in Los Angeles. Rosé bubblies have always held a very special place in my affections, and the 2011 crop of invitation-only entries reconfi rmed how enjoyable these wines are when shared with good friends and colleagues—especially with great food as part of the mix. Here are my notes and scores.
Argyle Winery 2008 Brut Rosé Dundee Hills, Oregon ($50) Lush and rich with ripe berry fruit and elegant structure; long and dense; balanced and quite stylish. 89
Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rosé Champagne, France ($100) Pale pink color; complex and elegant fl avors of bright but
restrained raspberry; smooth, fi ne mousse; a classic. 94
CHAMBERS & CHAMBERS
Jean-Charles Boisset NV No. 69 Rosé Burgundy, France ($20) A fresh and meaty crémante de Bourgogne with charming raspberry and citrus; crisp, substantial and nicely bal- anced; lively and long with considerable fi nesse. 89
BOISSET AMERICA
Waterloo & City General Manager Carolos Tomazos (left) with Anthony Dias Blue.
66 / the tasting panel / january/february 2012
