The Rochette Réserve
de Garde Brewing

Bottle from the source.

A brilliant clear reddish purple with a pink head that falls off to a ring leaving no lacing. The nose is a drier,spicier version, more austere version of The Rochette, with less of an exuberantly rich vinous character. Dried blueberry, black pepper. Moderate skin tannins, minimal oak tannins. A little bit of a preserved lemon note. The palate opens tart, mildly acidic and with a dep fruit character. Notes of lemon, dried blueberry, a little strawberry with skin tannins lending quite a bit of structure to the palate. Oak vanillin is mild and noticeable on the back. Drying, spicy finish with medium-high carbonation. Lovely, could open up marvelously as it breathes.