2025 Marchand & Burch Villages Rose, Great Southern

This is consistently one of my favourite West Australian rosés. The first thing you notice is the brilliant pink colour — pale, yet with a luminous quality. It’s a combination of shiraz, pinot, and grenache from around the state, naturally fermented in older oak barriques. On the nose, there are all the strawberry and raspberry nuances, while on the light-bodied palate, that oak has contributed to a lovely textural feel. There’s vibrancy, there’s energy, and that light, bright fruit carries through to a very long finish. Yet another terrific little rosé under this brand.

93 points Ray Jordan rayjordanwine.com.au

The Marchand & Burch Villages Rosé from Western Australia’s Great Southern region is a fresh, modern take on rosé, crafted by the collaboration of Burgundian winemaker Pascal Marchand and Jeff Burch of Howard Park. This partnership is all about bringing Burgundian finesse to Australian terroir, and the Villages Rosé reflects that philosophy with its delicacy, texture and food-friendly style. Sourced from cool-climate vineyards in the Great Southern, the wine is crafted primarily from Shiraz Pinot Noir and Grenache delivering elegance and aromatic lift.

In the glass it shows a pale salmon hue. The bouquet is vibrant and perfumed, with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant, lifted by citrus zest and floral notes of rose petal. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with juicy red fruit flavours carried by crisp acidity and a fine mineral thread. A gentle creaminess adds depth, while the finish is long, dry and refreshing, making it a versatile companion at the table.

Food pairings highlight its brightness and savoury edge: grilled prawns, kingfish crudo, Niçoise salad, or antipasto platters with prosciutto and soft cheese. It also shines as an aperitif on a warm day. Best enjoyed in its youth for freshness and vibrancy, though it can develop added savoury complexity over 2 to 3 years.