First Look: Jolie-Pitt Miraval Rosé

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have somehow found time to secure a summer home/vineyard estate and bring a wine brand to market. That in itself isn't worth a mention, however what's worth mentioning is this: The wine is fantastic.

The brand is Miraval - and by all accounts the celebrity couple's participation in the project is more than a rubber stamp branding affair. According to Wine Spectator the couple participated in determining the blend of the wine as well as the bottle/label design. They've partnered with the Perrin family which is responsible for, among other things, the well-regarded Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The final results are impressive.

The only mention of Jolie-Pitt is a subtle "mis en bouteille par Jolie-Pitt & Perrin" on the back label of the uniquely shaped bottle. It's just enough to confirm to those seeking the wine they've found what they were looking for.

This rosé is the first wine to be released. According to the winery website a white and red are slated to follow. If they're anything like the rosé I'll look forward to tasting them.

Here are my tasting notes on the rosé:

2012 Miraval Rosé
$28 Release Price
Street price: Just south of $20 retail
15,000 Cases Imported
13% Alcohol

My goodness - this is an outstanding wine. It's so well balanced. I have a hard time finding a flaw with it. There wasn't an off note in the bottle.

The color is a gorgeous watermelon candy pink with a hint of copper. An inviting fruit forward/floral nose conveys to the palate with medium/full weight almost like a light/medium Oregon Pinot Gris. It's never overly heavy yet is tremendously satisfying to drink.

Full of flavor but doesn't get out of whack. No distracting herbal notes - just pure enjoyable fruit balanced with medium-low acidity. Overall it strikes me as a very well made Provençal rosé targeted for the American market.

92/100 WWP: Outstanding

Wine Spectator rated the wine 90 points
CellarTracker
Wine-Searcher

There was some talk when this wine was released in Europe of it being quickly sold out. However, there does seem to be good availability in the US. Retailers and consumers: If you've seen this around at a good price (I'd say $17.99 to $19.99 is a good price) let us know in the comments!