Make sure to stop and smell the rosé

Ahhh rose: A wonderful wine driven to exile in many domestic markets due to its striking visual similarity to the much sweeter White Zinfandel wines. That being said, it’s probably true that even if white zin were actually white, Rose would still have a tough time breaking into the young male demographic. I mean, let’s face it… the only reason white cranberry juice even exists is so that men will order “camouflage cosmopolitans”. Plus, I’ve sat in quite a few power dinners. When you’re a young professional surrounded by the would-be cast of Mad Men with their two fingers of small batch bourbon and 48 gauge churchills, you don’t want to be the guy who orders 6oz of pink grape juice. I’m just sayin’…

2004 Château d’Angludet, Margaux France

annic and tight, this still seems young. There is a lot of black fruit, and espresso and dark chocolate are trying to peek out from behind the leather and stems. Tannins and acid seem to be in balance, so put these back in your cellar and wait another three to five years. See more reviews of this wine on Cellar Tracker.

2005 Journey’s End Cabernet Sauvignon

Some age to the Cab here; evident in a beautifully developed, complex aroma. A strong, muscular lad is this, a firm tannic structure only slightly mellowed by age, holding, like Atlas, a world of herb and liquorice edged black fruit compote, all encased in a dusty-brick whole. A tight, food-hungry, belt of acidity and a decently long length complete the statuesque whole. Alcohol 14.5%. Comprised of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon plus 8% Merlot. For other wines on this producer, see this Selection on Spittoon.

Wine for Haiti Lot 35 – Medolla Merlot 2003 SOLD

Medolla Vineyards, part of the amazing New York contingent of generous wineries, contributed a case of their 2003 Merlot, the only grape they use in the only wine they make. Retail value is $192.

Wine for Haiti Lot 81 – Cleavage Creek Trio

The always-generous folks over at Cleavage Creek Cellars sent three different bottles of wine for our action, their 2005 Tracy Hills Cabernet Syrah, 2007 tray Hills Merlot-Shiraz, and 2009 Tracy Hills Reserve Chardonay, total retail value $54.00.

Wine for Haiti Lot 45 – Shinn Estate Vineyards Nine Barrels Reserve Merlot + a BONUS SOLD

Shinn Estate Vineyards has been tremendously generous, contributing two different offers of their flagship Nine Barrels Reserve Merlot, a magnum and a case. This lot is the case, with retail value of $500.

Wine for Haiti Lot 40 – 6.0L 2007 Raphael First Label Merlot SOLD

Raphael contributed two different very special large-format bottles, a 3.0L 2002 Merlot and a 6.0L 2007 Merlot. This lot is the 2007, and they made barely a handful of these special large bottles. Retail value is $500.00 for the juice, if you multiply 750ml by eight, but actual value for this rare bottle is higher.

Wine for Haiti Lot 39 – 3.0L 2002 Raphael First Label Merlot SOLD

Raphael contributed two different very special large-format bottles, a 3.0L 2002 Merlot and a 6.0L 2007 Merlot. This lot is the 2002, and they made barely a handful of these special large bottles. Retail value is $250.00 for the juice, if you multiply 750ml by four, but actual value for this rare bottle is higher.

Wine for Haiti Lot 44 – Shinn Estate Vineyards Nine Barrels Reserve Merlot Magnum SOLD

Shinn Estate Vineyards has been tremendously generous, contributing two different offers of their flagship Nine Barrels Reserve Merlot, a magnum and a case. This lot is the magnum, with retail value of $125.

Wine for Haiti Lot 53 – Paumanock Vineyards Merlot Grand Vintage 2002 & MORE SOLD

Paumanok Vineyards, from the North Fork of Long Island, generously contributed a magnum of their 2002 Merlot Grand Vintage, retail value $75.00.

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