2010 d’Autrefois Pinot Noir Rosé
A rosé on February 1st, you say? Yeah, it was unseasonably warm today in the nation’s capital region (about 70 degrees), so I went with an unorthodox choice for the ‘middle of winter.’ I opened this wine with my good friend and neighbor, M.C. The d’Autrefois is 100% Pinot Noir from the Languedoc Roussillon region of France.
On the nose, I got a good amount of strawberry and the slightest hint of vanilla.
On the palate, the strawberry came through as super unripe. The acid was fairly strong and this wine was a touch syrupy. There was a huge pucker factor and a slight burn, which given the 12.5% alcohol, was more oak than alcohol (think of a bourbon or Scotch). As this wine sat open for a bit, it reminded me of the classic “orange slice” candy, only sugar-free.
I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it, either. M.C. had the same reaction to this wine. I’m guessing this wine would pair well with some cheese on the patio on a warmer day, but I fear it may be reaching the end of its drinking window. I might also pair it with some creamier-sauced dishes or seafood (grilled shrimp or stuffed flounder, maybe). So, if you’re inclined to give this one a go, I would say this is the summer to do it. You can pick it up for $10-$11, so no harm, no foul if you don’t fall in love with it.
Cheers from the Corkpit,
Stub