2007 Elyse Winery L'Ingenue Naggiar Vineyard

I don't know about you, but when I think "Rhone Ranger," I definitely think red wine. Those California producers rolling out the GSMs, the Grenache, and especially the Syrah. But there are some fabulous white Rhone blends coming out of California, and this bottle from Elyse is a classic example.

The wine is a brilliant lemon yellow in the glass, perhaps due to the viognier in the blend; although skin contact is minimal in white wine production, it's possible that the juice picked up a bit of the deep yellow hue of the viognier grape. The depth of color could also be related to the bottle age of this wine, as white wines tend to darken as they age.

The aromas are true to the blend - the floral aromatics of Rousanne and Viognier are here, expressed as honeysuckle with a slightly herbal nature, reminiscent of marjoram. There is also lemon zest, nutmeg (I always get nutmeg from Viognier), and a yeasty vanilla note from 16 months sur lie aging in used Frenk oak barrels. On the palate, the balance is precise. The acidity from the Rousanne cuts through the oily texture of the Viognier and Marsanne, and the tendencey towards high alcohol in all three main grapes is balanced out by the acidity and smooth texture so that the heat is not overwhelming. There is juicy peach here, and fresh fig, and they carry over on the finish, which lasts for minutes.

This is a truly enjoyable wine, which is drinking beautifully now, but which could age gracefully for at least another 2-3 years, if not longer. It would be delicious with herb roasted chicken or a simple sole meuniere.

Vintage: 2007
Region: Sierra Foothills, California
Grapes: 40% Rousanne, 34% Marsanne, 20% Viognier, 6% Grenache Blanc
Price: $25

2010 Achiary-Astart Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne Domaine Les Hautes Cances Rose

I don't care if it's the last day of August, that kids are going back to school, and that Labor Day is around the corner. Not only am I going to continue wearing white shoes, I am also going to continue to enjoy my rosé! This pink Côtes du Rhône Villages comes from a certified organic vineyard run by husband and wife team Anne-Marie and Jean-Marie Astart. It is a crisp, light salmon in hue, and is giving off some lovely pink grapefruit, white pepper, cherry, and fresh whipped cream aromas.

On the palate, the wine is elegant with acidity and alcohol in perfect balance, and a tiny hint of tannin weaving through to give structure. The tannin also gives some backbone to the mouthfeel, which is round and satiny., the flavors ripe with red fruits but brought down to earth by a bit of chalky minerality. The fruit and minerals linger for a good long time, finishing with refreshing grapefruit and sour cherry.

Summer isn't over until the rosé is gone, and this one is definitely worth prolonging the season a few more weeks!  

Vintage: 2010
Region: Southern Rhone, France
Grapes: Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Syrah, and Carignan
Price: $19

2010 Martinez Lacuesta Rioja Rosé

Martinez Lacuesta has been around for over a century, producing luscious red, white, and rosé wines at tempting price points; the 2010 rosé does not break with this tradition. The hue is a brilliant salmon with a hint of copper, and there is fresh strawberry, grapefruit, and the hint of beach roses on the nose. The wine is delicate and far more elegant than its $11 price tag might foretell.

In the mouth, the wine is well-balanced with a hint of astringency that plays off the refreshing acidity and the juicy strawberry and raspberry fruits. All the elements are in harmony. Believe it or not, I paired this wine with a fairly robust steak and black bean tostada, and it stood up to the meal admirably. But it would prove a delightful pair to a lighter meal of seafood (lobster in particular would be delightful) or, of course, paella. Or you could easily sip this as an apertif by the pool or on your porch as you watch the summer sunset. A lovely little wine.

Vintage: 2010
Region: Rioja, Spain
Grape: Garnacha
Price: $11

2009 Cave des Vignerons de Buxy Mercurey Buissonnier

As you've most likely heard, 2009 is being touted as a superior year for red Burgundies, and the first specimens are starting to roll into the shop. This Mercurey is the result of a collective operation of 120 vine-growers who work together to produce a wide range of wines - red and white, sparkling and still - in the different regions of the Cote Chalonnaise. 

The aromas are elegant, with red cherry, raspberry, menthol, and a hint of slate. The elegance carries over the palate, where fine astringency and refreshing acidity play off each other and off the lightly herbaceous flavors that evolve into delicate red fruits. The tannins are silky enough to make this bottle enjoyable now, but will evolve even further over the next 5-6 years. Recommended to accompany a meal of lighter meats and game, or as a partner to any of a number of french cheeses.

Vintage: 2009
Region: Mercurey, Cote Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
Grape: Pinot Noir

2005 Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico

The Tenuta di Arceno estate lies in the hills of the Chianti region in central Tuscany between Florence and Siena. Best known for their “Super Tuscan” wines, such as those made primarily with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Arceno also make this highly regarded Chianti Classico in the more traditional style. The 2005 is drinking spectacularly well right now, with significant bottle age and vinous aromas, but still fresh on the nose and the palate.

Pine forest, resin, raspberry, and red cherry comprise the aroma profile, followed by clove-studded orange peel, licorice, and tobacco on the palate. All the elements exist in perfect harmony, with no one component fighting for dominance. The tannins are fine and silky, and the mouth-watering acidity ready to take on the richest Tuscan cooking.  Even if you can’t find any Tuscan cinghiale (wild boar) over pappardelle pasta, Bolognese sauce would be the perfect partner to this savory wine.

Vintage: 2005
Region: Chianti Classico, Italy
Grapes: 80% Sangiovese, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $12