The addition of five to 10% percent Pinot Noir red wine to a Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Brut blend not only produces the distinctive rose colour, it introduces red fruit notes to the nose and increases the vinosity of the palate. Red berry fruits and complex yeasty aromas lead to a lovely creamy palate with a long, complex and firm finish. Perfect as an aperitif, this style is also ideal with a wide variety of foods including sashimi, shellfish, and salmon, rare grilled tuna, steak tartare and Peking duck.

Pale salmon; delicious fresh and lively wine, which has a lovely mixture of small red fruits and citrus, the dancing finish and aftertaste zesty and dry. Diam. 12.5% alc. Rating 95 Drink 2011 $39.95 Date Tasted Oct 08 James Halliday Wine Companion

Smooth and creamy, with a slightly meaty scent of raspberries, cherries, sweet red flowers and bakery yeasts. Its long, crackly and powdery palate of confectionery cherry and raspberry fruit culminates in a shapely and tightly focused finish of balance and elegance. Wrapped up in a vibrant acidity, it's pleasingly sculpted and assertive. (18.2/93, YTD 2007-2010) Jeremy Oliver

The addition of five to 10% percent Pinot Noir red wine to a Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Brut blend not only produces the distinctive rose colour, it introduces red fruit notes to the nose and increases the vinosity of the palate. Red berry fruits and complex yeasty aromas lead to a lovely creamy palate with a long, complex and firm finish. Perfect as an aperitif, this style is also ideal with a wide variety of foods including sashimi, shellfish, and salmon, rare grilled tuna, steak tartare and Peking duck.

This has long been a favourite of mine, although I’ve not tasted it for a few years now. This has a strong Pinot influence of cherry and strawberry with a touch of gaminess adding intrigue. In the mouth dry with very fine bubbles and  yeasty crackers providing a solid base on which to spread the fresh red fruits. The length is perhaps abbreviated by the overall sensation of dryness (i.e. not relying on sugar to stretch it) but is certainly good enough for me. Excellent wine. The vinosity of it really wins me over. Rated : 93 Points Tasted : Oct-08 Alcohol : 12.5% Price : $39 Closure : Diam Drink : 2008 - 2012 Gary Walsh; The Wine Front