Flagstone (South Africa) Fish Hoek Rosé 2005
It's that time of year when every wine column is recommending rosé, and the wine shop shelves are a sea of pink. But there's no doubt that the renaissance of rosé has not just been on a whim of fashion, but on some extremely good wines. This is a perfect example from Jack Bruce of Flagstone wines, one of my favourite South African producers. An unusual blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Pinotage and 13% Shiraz, it has a beautiful pomegranate colour and a nose just brimming with rose-hip and cherry, and soft, elegant summer berry fruits. Served well-chilled, the palate has a burst of ripe, fresh fruit that floods across the tongue, with a decisive but very nicely integrated acidity and any hint of creamy fruit sweetness tempered by its dry, savoury finish.
£5.99, Oddbins