Friday, March 09, 2007

Miguel Torres San Medin Cabernet Sauvignon Rose

There was a company farewell event yesterday and we were served champagne for the farewell toast. That led to the decision to pop open the Miguel Torres San Medin Cabernet Sauvignon Rose wine that I'd been keeping in my fridge.

The champagne we had yesterday was very similar to the Misty Moorings Late Harvest wine, without the fizz, of course. It was my first taste of champagne and I had high expectations. I don't know the label, but it was sweet, simple and uncomplicated. Very much like the Misty Moorings.

But I want to tell you about my latest wine purchase. My first foray into Rose Wine was the JP Chenet Cinsault Grenache. Its unique twisted neck bottle aside, it was a very pale pink, very dry, very unsatisfactory.

Unwilling to give up on Rose wines, I thought I'd try a little more upmarket selection, and that brings us to the Miguel Torres San Medin Cabernet Sauvignon Rose.

Rose wines are best when they're young, so this 2006 wine fits the bill.

It uses a screw cap. Very new world, very modern, very rebellious - just like the people who like Rose wines.

The swirl. A quick swirl to let the wine breathe, but not too much, advised my sommelier.

Then the smell. A fresh aroma with a hint of cherry and a touch of strawberry sweetness.

The colour. Wow... clear deep red, almost crimson. It's certainly young based on the colour at the edge that's hardly turned yellow. With colours like this, it's no surprise why people like Rose wines.

The taste. Blew my mind. Right away my tongue registered an explosion of pert, sweet cherry-like, a bit of pear, strawberry, fresh fruity flavours. Almost syrupy. All that for a split second. The finish is short, with a lingering mild sweetness, but the flavour is complex enough that you want to keep sipping just to experience that explosion of flavours again. Not too dry, good balance of white wine crispness and the wholesomeness of red wine.

I got the Miguel Torres San Medin Cabernet Sauvignon Rose wine from Sunshine Square for RM45, and I got a free wine glass with my purchase.


No comments: