Château Saint-Maur, Côtes du Provence (France) “M” 2014

($25): Much like the Médoc and other parts of Bordeaux, the French, in 1955, established an official classification of the estates of Provence, awarding 14 properties, including Château Saint-Maur, Cru Classé status. Judging from their lineup of 2014s, they deserve the accolade.  Château Saint-Maur, located not far from St. Tropez, has three bottlings of rosé.  This one, made from equal parts of Grenache, Tibouren, Cinsault and Syrah, is full-bodied and redolent of wild strawberries.  A palate tingling vibrancy keeps it fresh and you coming back for more.  Salad Niçoise on the terrace, anyone?
88 Michael Apstein May 5, 2015