2024 Domaine Les Pallieres Au Petit Bonheur Rose, Rhone Valley

This unusually pale rosé has plenty of almond, melon and nectarine character on the medium- to full-bodied palate. It has soft acidity but a nice freshness, accentuated by a touch of tannins. A still blanc de noirs of grenache and cinsault with a small amount of clairette, all from Gigondas. Drink now.

91 points James Suckling

From the higher, cooler reaches of Gigondas, Au Petit Bonheur captures a more lifted, finely tuned side of southern Rhône rosé. Domaine Les Pallières, a collaboration between the Brunier family of Vieux Télégraphe and Kermit Lynch, brings the same vineyard care and attention here as they do to their reds, working limestone and marl soils that help retain freshness even in warm vintages.

The 2024 release is bright and expressive, opening with wild strawberry, raspberry and a hint of redcurrant, layered with white peach and a touch of pink grapefruit. There is a gentle floral lift and a subtle herbal edge, thyme and a whisper of garrigue, giving it a clear sense of place.

On the palate it is crisp and refreshing, light to medium bodied with a clean line of acidity that keeps everything lively. Red berry fruit flows through with ease, finishing dry with a delicate mineral note and a soft savoury edge that adds interest.

Winemaking is handled with a light touch, gentle pressing and cool fermentation preserving purity and that pale, fresh style while allowing a little texture to build.

This is a rosé that can go well beyond simple sipping. Grilled prawns with chilli and garlic, tuna crudo with citrus, or a niçoise salad all work beautifully. It also pairs effortlessly with more adventurous vegetarian dishes, think watermelon and feta with mint, roasted capsicum with smoked paprika, or a tomato and burrata salad with plenty of olive oil.

Perfect for drinking now while its freshness and energy are at their peak, offering a vibrant, food friendly take on Rhône rosé.