Even though we are heading into the autumn/winter season, consumers should not miss Brotte’s 2009 Tavel Les Eglantiers, a classic, dry, medium to full-bodied rose revealing loads of fruit (framboise and strawberry jam), medium body, crisp, zesty acidity and a sense of tannic structure. It should be enjoyed over the next 12-16 months. The Brotte family was among one of the first to estate bottle Chateauneuf du Papes in the early 1930s. Over recent years, under the guidance of Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, quality has improved dramatically. Additionally, they have brought in the renowned consultant, Philippe Cambie. Brotte is still best known for their non-vintage, solera blend of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole, which is a huge commercial success. The quality is very good in spite of the phoney dust or the twisted and bent bottle. All of the wines I recently tasted with Laurent Brotte are classy, well-made, high quality efforts. Brotte seems to go largely unnoticed in the American market, but that should change based on what they have been accomplishing over recent vintages. Various American importers based on the state in which you live: www.brotte.com