A yummy rosé from a little known appellation just north of Carcassonne, Pennautier's 2006 Cabardès features bold scents of watermelon and strawberry. The flavors are a colorful jumble of berries, medium-bodied and mouthfilling, finishing fresh and clean. Pack one in the picnic hamper this summer.
— J.C.
(7/1/2007)
The color is nice and the aromas are sweet with the essence of graham crackers. The palate is a bit leathery, with blackberry and coffee flavors emerging. Then on the back of the palate the wine gets tighter and more gritty. Here the tannins bite, although for an inexpensive drink with food it’s up to the task. Best Buy. —M.S.
— M.S.
(2/1/2003)
Pineapple, green pepper and mineral notes kick start things. Next is a snappy, developed delivery of pepper, anise and stone fruits. The texture is smooth and the feel fairly round. And what it lacks in purity and zest is made up for in fruit potency. Undoubtedly a tasty, lively Sauvignon Blanc.
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)
Dark in the glass, with tight leathery aromas. The starching palate features licorice and black coffee along with plum fruit and spice. In a word, it’s peppery, and a tad bit bitter. But it also delivers a decent punch, some puckery red fruit, and adequate complexity well within the Provençal style. Drink with food for best results. —M.S.
— M.S.
(2/1/2003)
Classic aromas of cassis and black cherries dominate this impressive effort from the south of France. Sinewy tannins and good concentration make for a fine balance in the mouth while notes of earth and mineral persist on the finish. Drink up.
— W.E.
(3/1/2009)
Pepper, mint and plum aromas, followed by heavy cherry and pepper flavors on the palate. And it’s here that green pepper sneaks into the picture. And it’s here to stay, as evidenced on the finish, which is leafy and green. —
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)
This is like a well-fed youngster. It’s purple and offers mineral, lavender and peppery black-fruit aromas. But things go a bit south on the palate. The fruit is supercharged by piercing acidity. And there’s also a jolting bolt of sugar on the back palate. Ripe, modern but clumsy, without the balance and harmony to score better.
— M.S.
(1/1/2004)
Bold and very clumsy. There are leathery elements to the nose and wild, grapy fruit that stumbles onto the palate. A wall of tannins hits you on the finish, and throughout it’s untamed and overdone. Very fruity and forward, but devoid of tact.
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)