Domaine Prieuré Roch 18 Roses

Domaine Prieuré Roch "Roses" 2018

Domaine Prieuré Roch's "Roses" 2018 is a captivating and unconventional wine that defies expectations of what a rosé should be—so much so that it’s often debated whether it should be classified as one at all.

Made by the late Henri-Frédéric Roch (also co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti), the wine is crafted with the same philosophy applied to his Grand Crus: whole-cluster fermentation, minimal sulfur use, and absolute respect for biodynamic principles. This meticulous approach results in a wine of remarkable structure, density, and individuality. The 2018 vintage, marked by a warm growing season, delivers exceptional concentration, with aromas of wild strawberry, dried cherry, blood orange, rosehip, and a savory mix of sea salt, malt, and a faint touch of umami-rich soy.

On the palate, it is tactile and vinous, bearing the tannic spine and depth more akin to a light red Burgundy than any typical rosé. Its saline edge and ferrous character lend it a gastronomic quality, making it a superb match for dishes like duck breast, grilled tuna, or aged Comté cheese. Despite being a rosé in name, this is a cellar-worthy wine that will evolve and gain complexity over the next 6–8 years, if not longer.

Due to its unique profile and cult-like status, “Roses” has seen a significant spike in demand, especially following Roch’s passing in 2018, which only added to the mystique of the estate. Its limited production and rarity—combined with a style that challenges preconceptions—have sent secondary market prices soaring. What was once an insider’s secret is now fiercely pursued by collectors and sommeliers alike, marking this wine as a symbol of the avant-garde in Burgundy.