Deutz : Amour de Deutz 2013

The 2013 Brut Rosé Millésime Amour de Deutz offers up a delicate, perfumed bouquet with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, spring flowers and menthol. Medium-bodied, layered and textural, it’s saline with a tangy spine of acidity and a saline, refined finish.

A mouthwatering rosé, with grace and vitality, this is beautifully textured as well, like a swathe of cashmere on the palate. A streak of minerally chalk and smoke underscores an enticing range of ripe melon, pink grapefruit sorbet, candied ginger and wild strawberry flavors that echo on the juicy finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2031. 1,250 cases made, 20 cases imported.

The nose is half on primary fruits and half on development, with layered pastry notes and light oxidation. It’s full and fragrant on the palate as well, with pronounced ripeness and body, supported by zesty, citrusy acidity that extends the earthy flavours on the finish.

Here's proof that prestige cuvée rosé Champagne doesn't need to be rich and opulent. What a complex nose of stone fruits with a slew of delicate spicy aromas. Super-elegant and precise on the sleek and incredibly focused palate. Steadily builds to a great finale where a touch of saltiness seems to ignite the staggering mineral freshness, creating a fireworks display on your palate. 50% chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and 50% pinot noir from Aÿ, Mareuil, Bouzy and Ambonnay. Drink or hold.

The pale-colored 2013 Brut Rosé Millésimé Amour de Deutz is a total delight. Grapefruit, cranberry, white pepper, slate and mint all grace this chiseled, ethereal Rosé. Brisk acids pull it all together nicely. The 2013 feels pretty taut today. I would give it a few hours of aeration if possible. There's a lot of wine here.

This is a fine, mature Champagne, its fruit and spice coming happily together. With an intense citrus edge and vivid fruitiness, the wine is at a fine point between maturity and freshness. Drink now.