INSIDER'S PICK: 2014 HIPPOLYTE REVERDY SANCERRE ROSE $27.99

Spring is Spring-ing all over the place. Early lowers are in bloom, the first signs of growth are peeking out on the trees, and Daylight Savings Time starts this weekend, robbing us all of that precious extra hour of sleep Sunday morning. While we never really feel that Rose is officially out of season, the fact is they are definitely at their best during warmer weather, and the vast majority of the first new releases start to hit the market over the next 8-10 weeks. So it's time to re-familiarize ourselves with what's out there, perhaps dispel a few more myths along the way. Most Roses are only good through the release of the next vintage, but the great ones can not only survive but even thrive for several years. And this is a great one for sure, from a region that implements vibrancy in every wine that comes from their chalky soils, even the Pinot Noir.
From the exceptional stables of importer Kermit Lynch, this wine still holds the same salmon color as it did when it was first bottled, with a noticeable mineral current running under the fresh strawberry and rose petal aromas that is so coveted in the white wines from Sancerre. The winemaking process for the Rose is almost identical to the white wines, and it shows in the texture and vibrant chalky palate. Only the dusty red fruits on the palate and the lingering strawberry leaf flavors through the finish show this wine originated from the Pinot Noir grape and not a white grape. This definitely deserves to be the first chilled wine you drink outside this season.

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