Hampton Water Rosé 2024 Review

Takeaway

A light, refreshing rosé that works for poolside sipping, but it may leave serious wine drinkers wanting more.

First Thought

This week the hosts opened a bottle of Hampton Water Rosé, the celebrity wine from Jesse and John Bon Jovi, made in collaboration with winemaker Gérard Bertrand in France. Aaron brought it in as a summertime staple that has become almost unavoidable on store shelves, from supermarkets to boutique shops. Colin admitted he was skeptical, since many celebrity wines rely more on the name than the juice, and Joel was ready with a full set of Bon Jovi lyric puns. With mixed expectations, they poured their glasses to see if this was more than just a trend.

Tasting NOtes

The nose showed plenty of red fruits, especially strawberry, raspberry, and a bit of cherry, with hints of vanilla and spice that seemed to come from French oak aging. A clean minerality sat underneath, giving it a slate-like note. On the palate, the fruit dialed back, replaced by bright citrus and a sharp, tart acidity. The body felt very light, almost watery, but the finish lingered with a touch of baking spice. While it was thin and not especially complex, it did deliver refreshing crispness that worked for casual summer sipping.

Quick Tasting Notes

• Strawberry, raspberry, and cherry on the nose
• Vanilla and spice hints from oak
• Bright citrus and tart acidity on the palate
• Light, watery body
• Clean minerality
• Lingering finish with baking spice

Highlights

What’s Inside
A 2024 blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 15% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah from the Languedoc region. Alcohol sits at 13%.

Why It’s Special
Celebrity-backed wines are usually hit or miss, but this one has a legitimate French winemaking pedigree behind it.

The Cork Debate
Hampton Water uses a glass cork. Some hosts found it a quirky bonus, others found it frustrating to open.

When to Pour It
Best served chilled at the pool, beach, or on a boat. It is not a bottle to bring as a gift or to a formal dinner.

Price Check
Retail ranges from $17 to $25 depending on where you shop. At the lower end it feels acceptable, but at $25 it is harder to justify.

Final Verdict

Joel – A Casual Sipper
Joel came in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. He called it a solid poolside wine and better than many mass-produced rosés at the same price point.

Colin – A Backup Wine
Colin could not get past the lack of flavor and found it overly acidic and thin. He said there are better rosés for the same price, so he would only consider this a backup bottle.

Aaron – A Casual Sipper
Aaron agreed with Joel, calling it an easy, refreshing wine for hot days. He emphasized its “porch pounder” potential but warned not to pay more than $18.

Group Consensus: Hampton Water lands between Casual Sipper and Backup Wine, with the deciding factor being price. Under $18, it is a fair option for a cooler at the pool or a summer barbecue. Over $20, the hosts say it is not worth it.

And as always Stop Wasting Your Wine!