A toast to the last rose(s) of summer

In these sun-kissed days of autumn, roses are still blooming in my garden. And rose wine is chilling in the fridge.

Some of the roses with the most appealing personalities -- dry yet perky -- come from Tavel in the Rhone region. With careful shopping, you can pick a bouquet of four of these pink pretties for a little more than $50 -- and if the weather turns chilly, simply put them away for spring.

In fact, this might be the best time to pick up your favorite roses, as wine shops are reducing their inventories in order to bring in heartier vintages.

The best buy for my money is the E. Guigal Tavel 2005, a grenache blend with more body and aroma than you might expect in a rose.

More flamboyant in color and complex in taste, the Chateau d'Aqueria 2006 offers flavors of red plum and spice with a whiff of tobacco. Domaine Lafond is delightfully fruity with peach, spicy dried cherries and mandarin oranges.

My gal pals appreciate Les Lauzeraies for its beautiful pink color and its medium body, which offers hints of tart grapefruit, peaches and a strawberry finish. A friend is serving it at a baby shower, although the mom-to-be won't be raising a glass.

Yes, it's a girl!