WHY:In 2009, we toasted rosé to a real summer. Languishing on our coast, swimming in the ocean and playing bocce ball on our beaches; we sipped Provençal rosé from Nalgene bottles. Cut to the 2010 summer in Los Angeles: darkness, foreboding, rain. This was not the 73 degrees and sun summer that we pay 9.75% sales tax for. Cue Victor and his tax-free ray of light industry sample.

The Vines on the Marycrest Summertime seems to glow in the glass. In a test tube, it would make a great substitute for glow sticks. The fluorescent watermelon color of the wine is deceitful, as it leads most to believe the juice will be sweet. We apologize, White Zinfandel fans, you’re about to be disappointed. The nose is dusty, most likely attributed to the Mourvedré, contributing a funk similar to a rosé from Bandol. This dust is finished with mineral and floral spring water accents.

The front palate has the tiniest hint of candied apple fading elegantly into lingering acidity. The residual sugar is immediate then fades into a rosé, contributing body. The grenache and mourvèdre make way for the syrah and zinfandel. (Both are perfect accompaniments for the two more predominant grapes in the blend.) Vegetal, tomato vine and nettle in the mid-palate give way to creek bed, shale and more dust – reminiscent of another great rosé producing region, Tavel. The acidity of this dry rose hangs on for a lengthy finish, much like an Indian Summer.

The Wrap: Vines on the Marycrest’s Summertime is able to make summer feel perpetual with a body that can carry it through any season. That being said we will be looking towards Summertime for our pairings well into fall for lighter Thanksgiving fare. The 2010 vintage will prove to be another success: drinkable, affordable & easily paired. While Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock portray a city view of summertime in the song that provided its namesake, 2011 finds at least a couple of us chasing lightning bugs during a country summer. In either setting, Summertime still shines.

WHY: Les Arnevels is French for Paliurus spina-christi, the thorny, Mediterranean shrub aptly named, “Christ’s Thorn,” as woven into legend as the source of Jeebus’ crown. Well, if this wine would have hurt him, we’re sure he would have forgiven it. After all, this is the brother who turned water into wine.

Despite this French rosé unexpectedly being a screw cap, it is a pleasure to drink from the moment it is opened. This blood of th’lamb has a pungent nose of flowers and wild strawberries that gently slaps you in the face. It has an amazingly silky smooth mouth feel that illuminates the warm citrus, strawberry, and watermelon flavors. As the wine warms, the nose gets sweeter with cotton candy perfuming the bouquet. The winemaker has left the last 5% of the grapes a mystery, but even at such a small percentage, they add a complexity that pulls the blend together.

The Wrap: Let’s be honest. For under $10, it’ll be hard to find a better Côtes de Provence Rosé. Jesse & Luke paired this wine with dessert at a dinner that they catered to great success. At this price point, this harmonious wisp of flower and fruit is a must try with both your pious and unpious friends. For a great wine at a great price, find salvation in this summertime sacrament.