Le Printemps 2006 Rose, Mendocino County

Though the blend is pinot noir (80%) and syrah (20%), both of them play together beautifully on the nose, which is rich with aromas of game, earth, damp leaves, roses, and raspberries. The alcohol is evident but not overpowering, and it certainly doesn’t overwhelm fresh strawberries of the mid-palate. There’s earth here, too, which gives the whole thing a bit more gravitas than most roses ever achieve. Fascinating stuff. More wine reviews here.