It’s late in the season to be drinking roses in most of the United States, but Janasse’s 2010 Cotes du Rhone Rose (which includes a big dollop of Cinsault) exhibits a light salmon color along with tasty notes of strawberries and loamy soil. This impeccably run estate, in the capable hands of Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and their father, is one of the superstars of the southern Rhone Valley. Over the last 12-15 years, the quality of the wines has gone from strength to strength, with brilliant wines being produced in all price categories. They make sumptuous, complex, world-class red, white and rose Cotes du Rhones, and year-in and year-out, their Chateauneuf du Papes are among the top three or four wines of the vintage. Tasting two great vintages (2009 and 2010) from the Sabons was one of the most thrilling tastings I have had this year. My tasting began with some unbelievable Cotes du Rhones. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565