12.5% abv, Charles Bieler, Brignoles, imported by Bieler Père & Fils, St. Helena, CA. Cork closure: diam. Biodynamic calendar: lead day.
The Bieler family capitalized on the rosé trend in the US well before the category exploded. They sold their interest in Chateau Routas and founded the Bieler Company in 2013 so that Charles could focus on rosé wines with Trinchero Family Estate’s import network. Charles Bieler is also one half of the US wine company Charles & Charles.
The 2020 blend: Grenache 41%, Syrah 27%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Cinsault 12%, and Rolle 5%. It is an unusual blend for a Provence rosé apart from the typical Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, and it’s hard to say if the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Rolle bring much but filler in the form of sugar to the mid-palate. Perhaps, the Rolle (aka Vermentino) gifts this some of its punchy nose of almost pronounced intensity
Tasting note: the 2020 Sabine is pale pink in color with a clean nose of medium+ intensity with aromas of gardenia, white peach, cantaloupe and pineapple mint. On the palate this wine is off dry with medium acidity, medium body, medium alcohol, medium flavor intensity and a medium finish with flavors of chamomile, satsuma, Rainer cherry, strawberry and fennel. It’s a bit clunky but there’s some nice concentration of aroma and flavor; however, the balance is offset by the residual sugar which is unusual for a premium Provence wine, yet it’s pretty easy to drink. This wine is good, drink now: 8.7/10. Not bad for the first rosé of the season!