Winter Whites and Rosé

Happy December! The holidays are coming, the days are nearing their shortest, and the air is getting colder. By the time this is posted, I’ll hopefully be halfway through a long Shenandoah hike to a few summits to enjoy the cold solitude. And, I’ll likely be sipping some red wine and eating meat upon my return.

That said, I love stocking up on lighter wines for winter. I have a tradition – which dates back about a decade at this point – of opening a nice bottle of rose on the day of the first proper snowstorm. Maybe it’s a way of both embracing the cold and the discomfort that sometimes comes along with it, but also raising a glass that brings those summery, fresh vibes to the day. I highly recommend it. So, if you’re looking for some lighter wines for the holidays, I’ve got a good range of selections today.

For summery pinks, Provence is always on my mind. I received a few samples from Wines of Provence, a region that sent the U.S. 34% in volume of its exports last year. We love this stuff, and it’s easy to see why. (If I had a dollar for every winemaker from a different region who told me they make a “Provence-style” rosé, well I’d have money for a few of these bottles.

Napa’s Castello di Amorosa provides a wide array of white grapes and wine styles, from drier, zestier Pinot Biancos to Gewurz in off-dry styles. These show good value and crowd-friendly appeal for holiday gatherings. And, on the richer side of things, I have a wonderful white Rhone from Chateau La Nerthe, that would be great with all sorts of warm winter dishes.

I’m a big fan of the red wines from Napa’s Frank Family, but their sparkling wine program has been impressive to watch. Their Brut rosé and Blanc de Blancs offer a lot of complexity, vibrancy, and age-worthiness that makes their price points so reasonable. Worth checking out for sure if you’re a fan of California sparkling wines.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

White

2021 Château La Nerthe Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Cassagnes de la Nerthe Blanc - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages
SRP: $24
Deep yellow color. The nose exudes pineapple, white peach and honeyed pears, and while those deeper tones are great, I get a lot of brighter, wildflower and herb nuances, too. Creamy and deeply textured on the palate but the moderate acidity keeps it lively – the mouthfeel is great. Papaya, pineapple and lemon curd fruit, which is backed up by these cool ginger, dried apricot, floral and waxy elements. What seals the deal is this mineral, stony finish. Complex and delicious, this could also do with a few years in the cellar. A blend of 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Viognier, 30% Roussanne and 10% Marsanne. The quality and value in this blend are really something. (91 points IJB)

2021 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Bianco - USA, California, Sonoma County
SRP: $30
Medium straw color. The nose shows a whole bunch of fruity goodness (white peach, yellow apple, pears) along with orange blossom and daisies. The palate has a creamy texture with spritely acidity and a clean, floral-infused feel. Honeyed tones, too, with some light herbal flavors and stony, chalky notes on the finish seal the deal. All Pinot Bianco, all stainless steel. (87 points IJB)

2021 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Grigio - USA, California, North Coast
SRP: $27
Light yellow color. A floral and potpourri-themed aromatic display, with some kiwi, green apple and pineapple. Crisp acidity on the palate, a juicy texture, with pineapple, green apple and lime fruit. Has a pleasant creaminess, with some floral perfume, sugar cane and spring meadow vibes. Fun, fresh stuff. (86 points IJB)

2021 Castello di Amorosa Vermentino - USA, California, South Coast, Temecula Valley
SRP: $34
Light yellow color. A popping nose of white peaches and limes, daisies, clover, some honey and breezy flower garden tones. Sports a fuller body, creamy texture, but balanced with vibrant acidity, and flavors of kiwi, yellow apples, limes, backed up with honey, some crushed sweet tarts, and plenty of tropical flowers and flavors to enjoy. I’ve never tried this grape from this region before, and it’s a fun ride. (88 points IJB)

2020 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
SRP: $32
Ripe yellow color. Bursting aromas of peaches on the nose, with cantaloupe and limes, along with lemon verbena, orange blossoms. Richly textured on the palate, deep, honeyed elements, but there’s moderating acidity throughout. Yellow apples, guava and white peach fruit blend well with tropical flowers and nuanced spice and herbal tones. This would be so versatile with so many foods. (89 points IJB)

2021 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer "Dolcino" - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
SRP: $32
Rich yellow color. Sweet aromas of rich peach nectar and apricots, drizzled with honey, topped in white flowers and some green tea. Richly textured, sweet but the sugar is buttressed by vibrant acidity. Peaches, pineapple and limes, with a lot of floral and perfumed tones. I love the spicy accents, and along with subtle mineral tones, it makes this wine really pop. Fun for spicy foods or holiday parties. If you’re looking for some fun semi-sweet style. 13.5% alcohol, 35 g/l residual sugar. (88 points IJB)

Sparkling

2017 Frank Family Vineyards Blanc de Blancs - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
SRP: $55
Medium yellow color. A complex nose of biscuits, bread dough, chalk and sea salt, with yellow apples, lemon crème, some floral tones – lovely. Rich texture and vibrant acidity on this wine, has a pristine feel with these mineral and talc tones throughout. And the green apple and lemon fruit blends really well with the richer tones of biscuits, honey and almond. Lovely versatility and complexity in this wine, and I’d love to see it in a few years. Almost five years on the lees, this Blanc de Blancs has a lot to offer. (92 points IJB)

2017 Frank Family Vineyards Brut Rosé - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
SRP: $55
Deep copper color. Beautiful nose of raspberries and red apples, lots of roses, cut flower stems, chalky, slight biscuity tones. The palate has a crunchy and flinty feel, but the fine bubbles and creaminess make for a lovely balance. White cherry, raspberry and red apple fruit mix with tons of minerals and crushed shells, subtle spice, dried flowers and biscuits. Delicious but complex Pinot Noir bubbles aged four years on the lees. (91 points IJB)

Rosé

2021 Domaine de Cantarelle Côteaux Varois Riviera Bistro Rosé - France, Provence, Côteaux Varois
SRP: $20
Pale copper color. Super floral on the nose, with lots of herbal tones, too (oregano, mint, white pepper), over raspberry and red apple fruit. Punchy and vibrant on the palate, a juicy texture but racy acidity. Raspberry, white cherry and crunchy red apple fruit blends well with chalky, minty, spicy-herbal tones. Medium-bodied, fresh and fun – lots to like here. (88 points IJB)

2021 Domaine d'Eole Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence - France, Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
SRP: $20
Medium copper color. Aromas pop with raspberry, watermelon, McIntosh apple, and tones of basil, dandelion, and crushed shells. The palate has pleasant creaminess and crisp acidity, and a fruit salad of raspberries, watermelon and lemon slices. There are these honeyed, white tea, and floral complexities that are quite impressive, with notes of saline, talc and a hint of rosemary. Fun, juicy but complex and balanced. Value alert! (90 points IJB)

2021 Famille Sumeire Château Coussin Sainte Victoire Côtes de Provence - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
SRP: $17
Bright salmon color. A light and zesty appeal on the nose, tart and crunchy red berry fruit backed up by green herbs, sea salt and floral perfume. Brisk and taut on the palate with tangy raspberry and tart white cherry fruit. Lots of spicy-herb complexities (dandelion, nettle, white pepper), and this maintains a mineral, rocky, saline-infused vibe throughout. Refreshing, mouth-watering finish. A lot going on here. (89 points IJB)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: Holiday Treats

It’s been a long year, and this is a very different holiday season. But I hope you and yours are safe, healthy, and have an enjoyable holiday season, whatever you are celebrating.

In the spirit of the holidays, I’ve gathered up a collection of wines from all over the world that could add some cheer in the coming winter.

From one of the brightest, most complex Soaves I’ve tried in a long time, to Quilceda Creek’s second wine and the new vintage of Napa’s Cardinale, I’ve found some beauties. Merry Edwards’ first vintage of a Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine is absolutely delicious, and worth checking out, especially if you (like me) are a fan of their classic Sauv Blanc.

There’s some Champagne and other bubbles, of course. And if you’re not up for opening a full bottle, this report also includes several 375ml examples that are widely available in the U.S.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

White wines

2018 Pieropan Soave Classico Calvarino - Italy, Veneto, Soave Classico
SRP: $40
Medium yellow color. Plush but inviting nose of peach, guava, lime, topped in hay, white flowers, mint and chalk dust. Creamy texture on the palate is beautiful, while crisp acidity keeps it focused and bright, backed up with these plump peach and yellow apple fruit, drizzled with lie. The complexity here is great, with mineral, chalk, sandstone, hay and lemon verbena. Zest, focused, complex, stony, with a long, harmonious finish. This is killer single-vineyard Soave. (91 points)

2019 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
SRP: $13/375ml
Light yellow color. Lively aromas of lemon, guava and ruby red grapefruit, with subtle herbal, peppery tones, white flowers in the mix as well. Ripe and plush on the palate with flavors of grapefruit, white peach and guava, accented with daisies and honeysuckle. A ripe and spicy feel but balanced and nuanced as well. (88 points)

2018 William Hill Winery Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $13/375ml
Rich yellow color. Aromas of honeyed pears and apples, cinnamon crumb cake, but also some lively lemon and chalky tones. Creamy, juicy texture on the palate, moderating acidity, with flavors of yellow apples and lemon curd. Notes of honey, cinnamon and almond are woven in well, and notes of yellow flowers and chalk add vibrancy. Forward but harmonious, and a solid value Napa Chardonnay. (89 points)

2019 Girasole Vineyards Pinot Blanc - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County
SRP: $14
Light yellow color. Nose of white peaches and yellow plums, along with spicy oregano and mint, honey and clover. Juicy, peachy and tropical on the palate, but fresh and crisp throughout. Yellow apples, white peaches, lemon and papaya, this is a juicy but zippy wine tossed with cucumber slices, floral perfume and honeysuckle. There’s a lot going on here for the price. (88 points)

Sparkling, rosé & dessert wines

N.V. Bruno Paillard Champagne Extra-Brut Rosé Première Cuvée - France, Champagne
SRP: $70
Light salmon color. So bright and brisk with the nosewith wild raspberry and strawberry, along with watermelon rind, topped in crushed shells, chalk dust, hints of white pepper and tomato leaf. Precise and focused on the palate with racy acidity and bright appeal, along with solid textural depth. Grapefruit, strawberry, raspberry and red apple peel fruit mix well with chalk, talc and crushed shell tones. Notes of white pepper and ginger add complexity to this brisk, delightful rosé. Mostly Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Bouzy, Mailly or Les Riceys, along with Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, with a 6 g/l dosage. (91 points)

2019 Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'ile de Saint-Tropez Côtes de Provence Fleur de Mer Rosé - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
SRP: $13/375ml
Deep copper color. Bright and chalky on the nose with sea salt and dandelion over top strawberry, watermelon and white cherry fruit. Fresh and plump texture on the palate, but bright acidity, with flavors of white peach and guava. Notes of yellow flowers, green tea and honey mix in well. Fruity but vibrant, a fun, versatile rosé. (87 points)

N.V. La Marca Prosecco - Italy, Veneto / Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Prosecco
SRP: $11/375ml
Light yellow color. Nose pops with peaches, limes, honeysuckle, and crushed sweet tarts. Light and fresh with moderate acidity and flavors of peaches in honey, candied orange peel, shaved lemon. Nots of floral perfume and crushed sweet tarts mix with a hint of mint. Fun, straightforward, crowd-friendly stuff. (85 points)

N.V. J Vineyards & Winery Brut Rosé - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $45
Light salmon color. Aromas of strawberries and watermelon, McIntosh apple, with chalky, seashell tones, spicy oregano and wildflowers. Fine bubbles on the palate, a round and tropical feel but fresh, too. Red apples, apricot, strawberry, mixed in with green and white teas, talc, mint. Juicy and fun but shows a good amount of complexity as well. 57% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, 6% Pinot Meunier, 12 g/l dosage. (88 points)

2018 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $48/375ml
Rich yellow color. An explosion of peachy goodness on the nose with guava, orange marmalade, candied ginger, white tea and honey. Plush texture on the palate, with moderating acidity, a rich and honeyed texture, with guava and orange marmalade, yellow plums. Delicious tones of candied ginger, almond cake, unctuous yet shows vibrancy underneath. This is a delicious and complex wine, and the first harvest of this noble rot Sauv Blanc from the Maefield Vineyard Merry planted in 2015. An exceptional holiday choice or bury it in the cellar. (93 points)

Red wines

2016 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
SRP: $65
Medium ruby color. The nose shows suave cherries, red currants, topped in a complex host of leather, pepper, grilled steak, clove, with underlying mushroom and rose petal tones. Medium/full-bodied with solid, grippy tannins and racy acidity. A deep but tart core of black cherries and red currants, chewy, ripe but fresh, and topped in elements of menthol, tar, smoky earth, pepper, mushroom and rose petals. This needs at least a few years or a good decant, but is balanced well and has a lot to offer. (90 points)

2017 J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir Multi-Appellation - USA, California
SRP: $13/375
Medium ruby color. Aromas of jammy strawberries and cherry pie, cola and rhubarb on top. On the palate, this has velvety tannins, medium-low acidity, and plenty of juicy fruit (raspberries, red plums, cherry cheesecake). Notes of cola, caramel, rose petals, even some earth and herbal tones keep this interesting. Fun accessible, value-driven stuff. Fruit sourced from Monterey, Santa Barbara and Sonoma Counties. (86 points)

2017 Cardinale - USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $325
Deep purple color. The nose shows waves of fresh, deep, tangy black currants and cherries, tossed with warm clay, tobacco, potting soil, roasted chestnut, oregano and hot chocolate – it’s a fascinating, diverse, shifting display of aromas. On the palate, this is full but fresh, structured but smooth tannins, and the acidity keeps it fresh and balanced. Plums, cherries, currants, deep but vibrant fruit laced with tobacco, mint, anise, cigar box, tobacco and coffee. Underlying graphite and mineral tones add this integrated, profound feel. This will do excellent things over the next five to 10 years. (96 points)

2017 Barra of Mendocino Petite Sirah - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino
SRP: $22
Medium purple color. Boisterous aromas of blackberry and blueberry jam, with smoky earth, dark chocolate, clove and violet petals. Juicy and fun on the palate, warm and inviting with smooth tannins, medium acidity keeps it active. Plummy, blackberry puree and roasted fig tones, mixed with coffee, rocky earth, tilled soil and dark chocolate shavings. Deep but not heavy, stays fresh. Solid value here for near-term wintertime drinking. All Petite Sirah, 14.5% alcohol. (88 points)

2017 J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir Annapolis Ridge Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $110
Light purple color. Deep and saucy aromas of black cherries, dark plums, with lots of interesting mesquite, black pepper, rose petals and leather tones. Full, polished on the palate with velvety tannins and medium acidity that balances the deep, ripeness of the black cherries and plum cake fruit. Violets, gravelly earth, lots of concentration here with tones of black pepper glaze, dark chocolate and mesquite. A Pinot for Syrah-lovers for sure, and this needs serious time or a decant, but it has a lot going on. (91 points)

2017 Quilceda Creek CVR Columbia Valley - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $70
Medium purple color. Deep and saucy aromatic display of red and black currants and cherries, laced with mesquite, tobacco, rocky earth, tar and coffee tones. Full-bodied, suave but structured, juicy but shows vibrant acidity. A smooth, deep yet tangy display of currant and black cherries, with a complex mix of graphite, loamy earth and rocky tones, iron, tobacco, with these nuances of cocoa powder and vanilla. This could use a few years or give it a really good decant if drinking soon. Cabernet Sauvignon with 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in 70% new French oak. A delicious, less expensive way to experience the Quilceda Creek goodness. (93 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist. 

Wines for a Scorching Summer

Honestly, summer is my least favorite season. I make the most of it, sure, and I spend as much time outdoors as possible. But I’m prone to heat exhaustion and, and it’s going to reach 100 degrees in DC as I publish this. Eek.

So, I’ll be consuming massive amounts of water and hiding away in air conditioning today. During weather like these, except for the rare Beaujolais and a few other lighter reds, I rarely touch the stuff. Whites, bubbles and pinks are my go-to selections.

I’ve received a lot of wines that fit this bill recently. St. Urbans-Hof delivers two very different Rieslings that bring some serious value. And Oregono’s Troon wows me again with their new Granito Vermentino. Ramey’s new Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay is something to beold. And I’ve also reviewed a variety of rosés from the States and France. And Virginia makes an appearance as well, as I have two wines from one of my favorite producers in the Commonwealth (Early Mountain).

Stay hydrated and cool, folks! These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

White wines

2016 Troon Vineyard Vermentino Granito - USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Applegate Valley
SRP: $35
Lively yellow color. Aromas pop with nectarine, lime, with honeysuckle, mint, crushed shells, saline, all sorts of complexities in here. Gorgeous texture with a fresh and zippy appeal, and lots of fresh lemons, apricots and green melon. Such depth but really racy and bright as well, it’s so pretty and mouth-watering. All sorts of flinty, waxy, mineral elements underneath. Troon does it again with Vermentino, I love this expression of this grape. Fermented and aged in old French oak for 20 months. (93 points)

2018 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling Dry - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
SRP: $18
Medium yellow color. Bursting aromas of peaches and apricot nectar, lime, with white flowers, clover and honey. A light/medium-bodied presence, fresh acidity on a dry frame, with limes, apricots and orange, along with honey, chalk and some flinty, mineral tones. Really crisp with a tingly, saline finish. A really good value, this would be a great introductory wine to convert “Riesling is too sweet” crowds into Mosel Riesling-lovers. (88 points)

2018 St. Urbans-Hof Estate Riesling Old Vines - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
SRP: $18
Light yellow color. I smell canned peaches, key lime pie and papaya, with honey and sea salt. Juicy texture on the palate, sweetness is woven in well with medium acidity. Flavors of oranage, papaya and peaches mix well with honey, clover, and some slight mineral, chalky tones. Fun, accessible, fan-friendly Riesling. (86 points)

2016 Ramey Chardonnay - USA, California, Sonoma County, Fort Ross - Seaview
SRP: $42

Rich gold color. Lots of depth on the nose, with big waves of fruit (lemon curd, yellow apples, apricot) along with bread crumbs, whipped honey, sea spray, crushed shells. Plush texture on the palate, the acidity is so fresh, all sorts of delicious fruit: apples, pears, apricot. Lush yet racy with fantastic freshness and balance. A lot of rocky, mineral, mountain stream clarity kind of elements going on here. A firing Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay that should do exciting things over the next few years. Aged 12 months in French oak (12% new). (93 points)

2018 Early Mountain Vineyards Five Forks - USA, Virginia, Central Virginia, Madison County
SRP: $26
Medium yellow color. Bold and tropical on the nose with lies, guava and lychee, topped in perfume, cucumbers slices and crushed sweet tarts. Light/medium-bodied, juicy but really crisp as well. Peaches, guava and lime abound, and there are all these complex floral and wild herb notes. I get this chalky, mineral, crushed shell element on the finish that I find really attractive. Serious summer fun herein. Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc. (89 points) 

Rosé Wines

2018 Château Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rosé Les Dauphins Reserve - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
SRP: $10
Light copper colored. On the nose, I get white cherries, watermelon and red apple, with dandelion and daisies. Juicy texture with lively acidity, and lots of raspberry and red apple fruit. It has a nice floral potpourri, mint and white pepper element, woven in nicely, with a salty note. Fresh, fun, juicy, and solid for the price. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. (86 points)

2018 M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rosé - France, Languedoc Roussillon, IGP Pays d'Oc
SRP: $16
Light pink color. Nose boasts watermelon, peaches, along with cotton candy, sweet yellow and white flowers, with a hint of white pepper. Light and bright feel, but plenty of juiciness as well, and the balance is impressive. Peaches, melons and strawberries mix well with lots of roses, basil, and there are some chalky, steely, saline notes. Lots of personality for the price, per usual with M. Chapoutier’s Bila-Haut line of wines. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Cinsault. (88 points)

2018 Domaine De Cala Côteaux Varois Prestige Rosé - France, Provence, Côteaux Varois
SRP: $25
Very pale copper. Nose pops with peach, apricot, steely-salty notes, sliced cucumber, orange blossom and white pepper. Crisp and fresh and zesty, a steely appeal, but lots of depth, too. Apricot, peach and orange fruit is accented by notes of minerals, chalk, white pepper and wild herbs. Finishes with a floral and salty note. Grenache, Syrah, Rolle and Cinsault. (89 points)

2017 Sosie Syrah Rosé Vivio Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley
SRP: $25
Deep copper color. Aromas of peach, lime, yellow flowers, there’s also some deeper red fruits and rose potpourri. Crisp texture but a lot of textural depth on the palate. Red cherry and watermelon fruit mixes with elements of sea spray, honeycomb, even some olive oil and herbal tones. A lot of complexity in here, but it stays vibrant and fun, too. All Syrah, native yeast, barrel-fermented and aged in stainless steal and neutral oak. (90 points)

2018 Cline Cellars Mourvedre Ancient Vines Rosé - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Contra Costa County
SRP: $18
Bright watermelon color. Nose shows rhubarb, white pepper and mint on top of red apple peel, cherries and watermelon. Medium-bodied on the palate with nice, zippy acidity and a tangy, juicy appeal. White cherry, red apple and watermelon fruit mixes nicely with honeysuckle, mint and white pepper. Lots of fun flavors but shows good complexity as well. (87 points)

2018 Early Mountain Vineyards Rosé - USA, Virginia, Central Virginia, Madison County
SRP: $25
Pale pink color. A bright and ripe nose of peach nectar and strawberries topped in a cool mix of nettle, mint, green tea and honeysuckle. Fleshy but zesty on the palate with bright acidity and creamy texture. Red apples, peaches, apricots, and nice fruit salad topped with flowers, honey and white tea. There’s a kicking mineral and saline undertone that adds complexity. Lots going on, but also so pleasant and gulpable. 65% Merlot, 26% Cab Franc, 7% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot. (89 points)

<85 points

N.V. Dark Horse Limited Brut Rosé - USA, California
SRP: $13
Rich strawberry color. The nose shows watermelon, strawberries, with sweet floral tones and cotton candy. Faint bubbles on the palate, medium acidity, a light and steely approach. Red cherries and raspberries, this is fun and fruity with some subtle floral tones. Good, crowd-friendly stuff. Simple, but good for the price.

2018 Mouton Cadet Rosé - France, Bordeaux
SRP: $10
Pale salmon color. Nose of tart green apples, white cherries; really spicy with white pepper and sliced bell peppers. Light and crunchy with a lean, green feel. Tart apples and white cherries play along with notes of white pepper, green herbs, sliced bell pepper. For me, this is too lean, green and lacking. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: New Releases from California

This week, I have a round-up of some wines from different California regions.

First off, I tasted some wines from Napa’s Amici Cellars and its sister brand of Sonoma County wines, Olema. The winemaking team at Amici and Olema consists of well-known, long-time winemaker Tony Biagi, and Jesse Fox. Amici offers moderately-priced takes on Napa classics (Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc), while the Olema wines offer a sample of Sonoma goodness for $25 or less. (There’s a Provencal rosé under the Olema umbrella as well, which is included in this report.)

I also tasted some wines from Wine Insiders, a direct-to-consumer wine company that operates kind of like a wine club without strict membership requirements. The wines selections are curated by sommeliers Tyson Koster and Christopher Hoel and sourced from different countries. Customers can receive a quarterly shipment of wines based on their preferences, or shop at will online. I tasted through their half-case of Lodi wines (which sells for $81) and found some wines that really deliver for the price (like many wines from this region).

Lastly, I found a $20 Santa Barbara Pinot Noir that punches above its weight class.

All the wines in this report were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2017 Amici Cellars Sauvignon Blanc - California, Napa Valley
SRP: $25
Light gold color. Aromas of honeydew, lemon crème, tart green apples, with some floral and note of honeyed tea. On the palate creamy texture, a rich and plush feel with baked yellow apples contrasting off lemon peels and green melon. Notes of honey, white tea, hint of clove and white pepper. Balanced nicely, vibrant and crowd-pleasing but not simple. All stainless .steel. (89 points)

2016 Olema Chardonnay - California, Sonoma County
SRP: $16

Light gold color. Lots of fresh apples and pears on the nose, green and yellow, along with apricot jam, some honey, slight toasted nuts. The texture is plush but the acidity keeps it fresh, and the plump apples and pear fruit taste juicy and ripe. The honey, white tea and almond flavors mix in nicely. A fresh, flavorful and balanced Chardonnay for the price. (87 points)

2017 Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
SRP: $16
Pale copper color. Aromas of white cherries, wild strawberries, with nettle and cucumber water. Medium-bodied, crisp and brisk with white cherries, red apple peel and watermelon rind flavors. Notes of floral perfume and baby’s breath as well. Simple, pleasant pink. 60% Grenache, 30% Mouvedre, 10% Carignan. (86 points)

2016 Olema Pinot Noir - California, Sonoma County
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Juicy and ripe but fresh on the nose, raspberries, strawberries, cherry preserves, with notes of cola, incense sticks. Medium-bodied with moderating acidity and light tannins, this is an easy-drinking style with fresh red cherries and strawberries. Flavors of cola and rhubarb. Very nice for a $20 Pinot. (87 points)

2016 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon - California, Sonoma County
SRP: $25
Bright purple color. Nose of saucy black cherries and currant am, with cedar, cocoa, some sweet coffee. Juicy and plump on the palate with smooth tannins and moderate acidity, juicy but tart, with black cherries and dark currants, mixed in with some violets, black tea, cocoa, coffee. Suave and juicy but fresh, too. Fun, crowd-pleasing stuff, good for the price. Includes a combined 10% Malbec, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Petite Sirah. (87 points)

2016 Amici Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - California, Napa Valley
SRP: $50
Medium purple color. This is dark and saucy on the nose with blackberries, black currant, coffee, dark chocolate, some mint and cedar. Full and juicy on the palate with smooth, slightly chewy tannins, and medium acidity. Plump blackberry and fig paste flavors mix with vanilla, cola, coffee, cedar, some mint and chewing tobacco notes, too. Forward, rich and appealing, but put together well. Includes a combined 18% Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc aged 20 months in 70% new French oak. (88 points)

2015 Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir - California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
SRP: $20
Medium ruby color. Juicy black cherries and sweet raspberries mix with cola, rhubarb, light roast coffee and some white pepper. Full but smooth with light and velvety tannins and fresh, tangy acidity. Cherries, raspberries, crunchy red apples, with notes of rhubarb, pepper, coffee and mint. A lot of flavor, but more importantly, balance and vibrancy, which is really rare in a California Pinot at this price point. (88 points)

(The following wines are sold as a half-case for $81, or $13.50 per bottle)

2016 Saddlehorn Cellars Chardonnay Lone Cardinal - California, Central Valley, Lodi
Light yellow color. Nose boasts apricot, pineapple and guava, with cinnamon rolls, spicy clove and honeyed tea. Moderating acidity helps balance the plump texture. The wine is loaded with apricot, baked apple crisp and apple cider flavors, with notes of cinnamon, clove and honey. Rich but not too heavy, this has a pleasant simplicity to it. (87 points)

2016 Saddlehorn Cellars Pinot Noir Lone Cardinal - California, Central Valley, Lodi
Medium ruby color. A nice mix of tart strawberries and cherries with jammy, cheesecake topping notes, along with roses and rhubarb. Medium-bodied (13.5%) with soft tannins and medium acidity. Sweet red plums, cherry preserves and raspberries mix with rhubarb pie, spicy cedar, some floral and earthy tones. Juicy and jammy but stays lively. (86 points)

2016 Saddlehorn Cellars Zinfandel Lone Cardinal - California, Central Valley, Lodi

Deep ruby color. Aromas shows hammy raspberries and cherries, roses, cola, paprika and pepper spice rub. Fresh and fruity on the palate with smooth, soft tannins and medium-low acidity, and a chewy, playful vibe (13.5% alcohol). Raspberries and cherries, candied apple, this has a good amount of pepper, coffee, cola, clove and cinnamon. Pleasant and fruity but not too burly, this is a crowd-pleaser for sure. (87 points)

2016 Saddlehorn Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Lone Cardinal - California, Central Valley, Lodi
Light purple color. Savory herbs and sweet cola on the nose, along with candied currants and fig paste. Plush on the palate with smooth tannins and moderate acidity, along with tart black cherries, blackberries, jammy currants, this is smooth and fruit. Notes of grilled herbs, smoky earth, vanilla coffee and black pepper. Yummy but fresh, sweet fruit but solid complexity, too. (87 points)

2015 Sierra Trails Sangiovese Special Selection - California, Central Valley, Lodi
Deep ruby color. Aromas of spicy black cherries, raspberries, juicy and ripe with black pepper, anise and cola flavors. Ripe and rich with smooth tannins on a medium-bodied frame (13.4% alcohol) with fresh acidity. Sweet black cherries and raspberry jam mixes with barbecue sauce, black pepper, smoky charcoal, earth and graphite notes. Impressive in its freshness and complexity. (89 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Here Come the Rosés! 16 Pink Wines Reviewed

For American wine-lovers, Spring and Summer are prime time for pink wine.

Don’t get me wrong, I love rosé year round. I’ve actually developed a tradition of opening a good rosé on the first big snowstorm of the winter, and it’s a lot of fun. But the shelves of your local wine shop are surely piling up with various pink wines from all over the world, so you should have plenty of options to choose from.

I’ve been receiving lots of rosé wines, so I gathered some up and tasted through them, hoping to find some really good values to share. (Spoiler alert: I did.)

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted. It’s not even May yet, so I’m sure I’ll have another round of rosé reviews in the next two months or so. (Literally as I was writing this, I received a knock on the door with, drumroll, more rosé samples to sign for.) If there’s a bubble to burst in American consumers’ love for the pink, I’m not sure we’re there yet.

Check out these rosé wines from around the world below!

N.V. Bruno Paillard Champagne Extra-Brut Rosé Première Cuvée - France, Champagne

SRP: $70

Pale copper color. Aromas of chalk dust, white flowers, rose petals, red apple peel, bread dough. Brisk and tangy on the palate, tart and brisk but lots of depth, with flavors of white cherries, wild strawberries, red apple peel. Blazing streak of minerals in this wine, with chalk dust, sea salt, mixed with toasted baguette and lots of flowers. What a tangy and bright wine, but lovely textural depth as well. Mostly Pinot Noir, this is a blend of 25 vintages going back to 1985. (92 points)

2017 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Rosé Samorëns - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

SRP: $15

Light rose color. Smells of fresh white peaches, strawberries, nettle and roses. Crisp and bright but plenty of textural depth. Peaches and watermelon, drizzled in lime, and topped with honeysuckle, dandelion, white tea. Notes of mineral and chalk dust on the finish. Delicious but shows significant complexity. (88 points)

2017 Très Chic Rosé - France, Sud de France

SRP: $17

Pale strawberry color. Nose of strawberries, white cherries, very perfumed with notes of spicy white floral tones. On the palate, this is medium-bodied with bright acidity and juicy texture. Watermelon, white cherries, strawberries, along with bright white and red flowers. Floral, juicy, fresh, solid for the price, surprisingly so. Grenache and Cinsault. (87 points)

2017 Château de Berne Rosé Urban Provence - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence

SRP: $23

Light pink/copper color. Bursts with aromas of peaches, cantaloupe melon, ruby red grapefruit, along with roses, lilies and wet stones. Medium-bodied, richly textured, with bright acidity. Pineapple, peaches and tangy limes blend well with plenty of spicy/herbal elements (nettle, raspberry leaf, white pepper). Crisp but fruity, fun but the complexity shows through. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. (88 points)

2017 Château de Berne Rosé Inspiration - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence

SRP: $20

Pale pink color. Bursting aromas of passion fruit, strawberries and peaches, topped in roses, spicy nettle and clover. Zesty acidity frames the palate nicely but plump fruit abounds (peaches, strawberries, lemons). Spicy herbal notes, deep floral tones, along with some crust mineral and chalky elements. Lovely Provence pink. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. (89 points)

2017 Château de Berne Rosé Emotion - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence

SRP: $16

Very pale copper color, like the inside of a grapefruit rind. So fresh and spicy on the nose, with nettle, dandelion, white pepper and honeysuckle, on top of plump peach and green melon. Crisp acidity, plush texture, lots of fruit (white cherry, lemon, peach) laced with white pepper and dandelion. Fresh, fruity, spicy, nice stuff for the price. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. (87 points)

2017 Kim Crawford Rosé Hawkes Bay - New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay

SRP: $18

Bright watermelon color. Fresh and floral with watermelon, white cherries, strawberries, with white pepper, chalk dust, red gummy candies and roses. Bright texture, fresh and juicy texture, a zesty and fresh attitude with juicy strawberries, watermelon, nectarine. Notes of white pepper, cut flower stems, cucumber slices and gummy candy, yet dry and fresh. Fun, high-quality, Merlot rosé. (88 points)

2017 Hearst Ranch Winery Rosé Julia - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

SRP: $22

Deep copper color. Very floral on the nose with roses, honeysuckle, dandelion, peaches and red apples. Crisp acidity on a medium-bodied frame, but plenty of rich texture here, and white peaches, raspberry, white cherries. Lots of flowers packed in here (roses, honeysuckle, wild clover), along with some dusty mineral tones. Goes down so easily despite significant complexity. A Paso kitchen sink blend of Syrah, Malbec, Tempranillo, Petit Vedot, Grenache, Petite Sirah. (89 points)

2017 Booker Vineyard Pink - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

SRP: $50

By far the darkest “pink” wine in this report, this looks like melted raspberry cough drops in color. The nose has a lot to show: roses, raspberries, spiced cranberry sauce, cinnamon. Plump texture on the palate (14% alcohol) but the acidity moderates everything nicely. Raspberries, currants, cranberry jam fruit, this is a dark-fruited wine with lots of roses, clove rooibos tea. So rich, and a total stylistic outlier here, but Booker pulls it off. It ain’t cheap, and it ain’t a lightweight, but it’s delicious and well made. Grenache with 8% Syrah, this spends five days on the skins. (90 points)

2017 Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir Rosé - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

SRP: $18

Light watermelon color. Spicy green herbs and bright roses mix with strawberry and white cherry. On the palate, this is crisp and bright with a smooth texture and tart strawberry fruit, some juicier cherry and yellow plum. A bright, spicy appeal with some floral and mineral undertones. Lively, crisp, delicious, attractive at its price point. Includes 6% Viognier. (88 points)

2017 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Noir Rosato Morning Dew Ranch - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

SRP: $39

Pale pink color. Bright aromas of lemons, limes, grapefruit, dandelion, lilies, and white pepper (a lot going on!). Tangy as hell, medium-bodied, with flavors of peaches, limes and nectarine. The mineral, quinine, limestone and chalk dust elements are really complex, and I get a mix of spicy white pepper, barley, oregano as well. Complex, zesty, fruity, mineral-driven, balanced so nicely. All Pinot Noir that is fermented and aged in concrete eggs. (90 points)

2017 Scotto Cellars Dry Sangiovese Rosé - USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

SRP: $18

Medium watermelon color. Nose shows juicy cherries, strawberries along with lemon verbena, white pepper, and bubble gum. Plump texture with fresh acidity, lots of peaches, strawberries, white cherries, watermelon fruit. I also get notes of rose petals, bubble gum, white pepper, nettle. Fun, juicy, fruity, spicy, quite good stuff! 13% alcohol. (88 points)

2017 McCay Cellars Grenache Rosé - USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

SRP: $18

Bright pink color. Aromas of crisp strawberries, white cherries, watermelon rind, nettle and rose petals. Medium-bodied (12.5% alcohol) with refreshing acidity and a good amount of depth. Tangy white cherries, honeydew, watermelons and peaches, richly fruity but laced with light, spicy, floral elements (which tea, honeysuckle, raspberry busy). Well-balanced, lovely stuff, per usual from McCay Cellars. (90 points)

2017 St. Amant Winery Barbera Rosé - USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

SRP: $15

Bright cherry juice color. Bursting aromas of strawberry jam, candied apple peel, cinnamon sticks and rose petals. Bold and juicy on the palate with fresh acidity and plenty of raspberry and strawberry jam, candied apple. I get notes of spiced tea and cinnamon candies. Sweet fruit but nice and lively, too. (87 points)

2017 d'Art Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé - USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

SRP: $22

Bright raspberry color. Nose of crisp strawberries, roses, candied cherries, sweet red flowers, cinnamon sticks. Plump texture, this is a big pink wine at 14.8% with medium acidity and rich, vinous notes of red cherries and raspberries. I get notes of spiced, honeyed tea and sweet roses. This is a bold rosé that I’m thinking would pair nicely with a whole spread of charcuterie. (87 points)

2017 Long Shadows Wineries Julia's Dazzle Rosé Benches Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

SRP: $20

Pale copper color. Lots of peaches and apricots on the nose, with green apples, cotton candy and nettle. Juicy and full of fruit on the palate (apricot, ultra ripe white peaches), but the wine stays fresh and balanced. Notes of honeycomb, dandelion and nettle accentuate the fruit. A nice pink Pinot Gris. (87 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

A Brief Guide to Age-Worthy Wines

Credit: Todd Paul. Wikimedia Commons

It's a question I get often from friends. They want to know what wine they can buy and bury for 10, 15, 20 years.

There is no debate: the best wines in the world can age (and improve) for a decade-plus.

So if you're looking to cellar some bottles for an anniversary or birth year of a child, I have some suggestions for you. 

Click here to read my suggestion on Snooth, as well as suggestions from a bunch of wine writers around the country.

Dry Rosé: Not Just for Summer

Summer’s been over for a while. Sigh. But rosé season never really ends — at least it shouldn’t. I drink the pink year-round because I love the crispness of dry rosé and the food pairing options. And a lot of rosé wines get discounted after their summer heyday, so bargains abound.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted for a report on the daily wine blog Terroirist, where this piece was first published.

2013 Château les Crostes Côtes de Provence - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
SRP: $21
On the nose, I get more sweet flowers than the other wines, along with strawberries and crisp watermelon. Tang and spritz on the palate, with nervy acid. Flavors of wild strawberries, watermeln rind, slight herbal element. Deep, concentrated minerality in this wine, which I really like. Complex, lively, memorable, this begs for summer cook-outs. (89 points)

2013 Domaine du Tariquet Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne Rosé de Pressée - France, Southwest France, Gascony, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne
SRP: $10
The nose shows white cherries, strawberries, rhubarb and white pepper. Super tangy on the palate with tangy strawberries, grapefruit and lemon zinger tea. Spicy and crisp. 40% Merlot, 40% Syrah, 20% Tannat. (86 points)

2013 Domaine de Nizas Rosé - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc
SRP: $13
Salmon-copper colored. Smells of rose hips, white cherries, wild strawberries and a hint of green grass. Juicy and ripe on the palate with white cherry, strawberry and watermelon flavors. Medium acid provides some freshness while notes of white pepper and green herbs add some complexity. Fun stuff, albeit not the most complex pink. 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. (85 points)

2011 Las Lilas Vinho Verde - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $10
A bright strawberry color with a lot of spritz in the glass. Smells of strawberries, white cherries, sweet roses and sweet candle wax. Crisp and fizzy on the palate, this is a bright watermelon and strawberry-driven wine, light bodied, fun but it’s also pretty, food-friendly and full of life. The boisterous fizz adds to the fun of the wine. I can’t think of a better way to spend $10 on a summer wine. Drink up, though. (86 points)

2013 Isabel Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon “Deep Rose” - California, Napa Valley
SRP: $20
Well, it’s a deep rose color for sure. I get lots of watermelon, strawberries and some spicy elements of pepper and rhubarb. Some good structure for a rose, with light tannins and fresh acid. Juicy white cherries, watermelon and some spice mix with white and black pepper. Tasty, picnic-friendly, crowd-pleasing. (86 points)

2013 Bodegas San Alejandro Calatayud Rosado “Las Rocas” - Spain, Aragón, Calatayud
SRP: $14
Bright watermelon colored. On the nose, I get cranberry juice, strawberries\, some sea salt, green and white pepper, some rose hips. Crisp acid and medium body, the wine shows crunchy white cherries and cranberries. Notes of white pepper and spiced citrus tea add complexity. A lot of fun to sip on its own, but this would be great with a backyard grill spread. 100% Garnacha. (87 points)

N.V. Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé - California, Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $36
A bright strawberry-salmon color. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon tart, roses, some toasted bread. Crisp and nervy on the palate, with live-wire acidity and fine bubbles. Flavors of McIntosh apple, watermelon rind and wild strawberries, all of it clean and crunchy. Not incredibly deep in concentration or aging potential, but it’s showing a ton of precision and punch right now. A blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay. (90 points)

Drink the Pink

Maybe there are still some people out there who associate rose with sugary plonk, but they must simply not give a shit, because the American rose consumer has never had it better. There are more roses made in more styles from more grapes grown in more regions than ever before.

Over the past few years American consumers have seriously wised up to the fact that pink wine is awesome.

Living in the capitol swamp of DC, I spend much of the summer hiding from the midday or fleeing the city for the Jersey Shore. When I’m stuck here on a hot day, though, popping a bottle of rose is always a good idea. With the heat and humidity on the horizon, I attended a rose tasting put together by my good friends Brett and Alyssa for Brett’s birthday. He graciously brought almost all of the wines from his collection. (Who knew a metalhead had so much pink wine?) The wines paired very well with a melange of sushi, cured meats and cheeses. We popped all the bottles and helped ourselves, revisiting the wines over the course of the evening, checking their evolution, discussing the nuances. I dutifully took notes, and here they are...

Old World Roses

We had a great selection of roses from different regions of France, and a Lopez de Heredia thrown in for good measure.

2010 Domaines Ott Côtes de Provence Rosé Château de Selle - France, Provence - The bottle is shaped like some French perfume. Very light copper color. A burst of lemon and wild strawberry on the nose. Sharp acid, mineral-driven, with flavors of wild strawberry and white pepper. Finishes with soft tannins. Lots of focus on the minerals here, less in the way of flavors I usually associate with Provence, but a lovely style. A blend of grenache, cinsault, syrah, cabernet sauvignon. (90 pts.)

2011 Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes du Rhône Rosé La Dame Rousse - France, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône - The bright strawberry color stands out among some of the paler shades of pink at the tasting. Nose of cherry candy, macintosh apples and a hint of pepper. The palate shows significant tannins, which back up the sweet cherry, strawberry and peppert flavors. This is a hefty rose, but absolutely delicious. (89 pts.)

2011 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Rosé - France, Loire Valley, Chinon - I've heard good things about this wine, and I'm officially on board. Light copper color with a bit of a spritz in the glass. Elegant aromas of peach, white flowers and tangerine. On the palate it starts off plush, but then the acid streaks through, creating a palate-coating effect without being heavy. I love the strawberry and white cherry fruit, which is underlined with limestone and lemon. Very long finish. Lovely stuff and it paired perfectly with sushi. (91 pts.)

2011 Château de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rose Commanderie - France, Provence - Very pale cherry color, almost clear. Melon rind and peach aromas, along with pepper and underbrush. Lots of pepper on the palalate, along with wild strawberry and lemons. Huge acid on this wine, which carries to the finish and leaves the palate refreshed. Very elegant. Grenache, cinsault and syrah. (90 pts.)

2000 R. López de Heredia Rioja Rosado Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, Rioja - This is the third time I've had this wine, and, while I enjoy it, I don't love it. Sorry, I know a lot of people at the tasting raved about this wine, but for my palate it didn't hold up against some of the other excellent roses in the tasting. Tangerine color. It smells like cheese rind, strawberry greens and a canteloupe melon that's been left out in the sun for a long time. Austere acid on the palate. The best part about this wine is the minerals, which are fresh and lively. Thick mouthfeel with macintosh apple and brie rind flavors. This is a really nerdy wine that is fun to sip and dissect with others, but in the end, if I'm pouring myself a glass of rose on the porch, I'd go for something else. (86 pts.)

2009 Clos Cibonne Tibouren Côtes de Provence Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes - France, Provence - Orange/copper color. Aromas of watermelon, kumquat and marijuana, seriously. The palate shows juicy cherries and strawberries, along with a nice herbal-hemp flavor. This wine tastes old school, like it was made without much technology, and I like that. It definitely stood out as a funky, quirky wine. (87 pts.)

New World Roses

Of course, this was Brett's birthday, so his favorite region, the Pacific Northwest, was heavily represnted. I haven't been following roses from Oregon and Washington, but I clearly need to, because there are some great pinks out there.

2011 Gramercy Cellars Olsen Vineyard - Washington, Columbia Valley - This wine is unfiltered, showing a slightly cloudy pink color. Aromas of lemonade, roses and pepper. Lots of strawberry fruit on the palate, with tangy acid, medium tannins and a rush of minerals. Anise and hints of tobacco add even more complexity. It maintains elegance the whole time. The winemakers admit this wine is inspired by Chateau Peyrassol. While drinking that wine, they realized they had the exact same varieties planted in their Olsen Vineyard and decided to make a rose. The end result is delicious, a rose that clearly pays homage to Provence, while still showing its Columbia Valley roots. A blend of cinsault, grenache, syrah. Stellar stuff. It was really fun to drink this alongside the 2011 Chateau Peyrassol and compare them. (91 pts.) 

2011 Sleight of Hand Cabernet Franc Magician's Assistant Rosé - Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Neon strawberry color. Initially, the nose reminded me of a highland single malt scotch, with this kind of caramel, toast and apple. That blew off a bit, and the macintosh apple aroma really came to the forefront. The palate shows tangy acid and sweet fruit, candied cherries and watermelon. I like this, but it lacks the minerality and complexity of some of the other roses in the tasting. (86 pts.)

2009 Cayuse Grenache Edith Rosé - Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - This is a bold rose that demands attention. Very light copper color with thick legs. The butter and spice on the nose reminds me of chardonnay, but there's also some melon and peach. On the palate, this is definitely the creamiest wine of the bunch. It's like drinking whipped fruit. Lots of red apple skins and strawberries, along with butter and cream. Very long finish. This is a much different style, but I still loved it. I imagine this would actually be better on the second day or with another year in the bottle. (90 pts.)

2009 Cameron Saignee of Pinot Noir - Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills - This was my wine of the night for sure. I've swooned for Cameron pinot noir in the past, and this wine is like a lighter version of the Clos Electrique pinot I love so much. It's a vibrant strawberry color in the glass. Complex aromas of beef, goat cheese, fresh cherries, oregano. The palate is bold and palate-coating, with cool cherry and raspberry fruit. It softened up a lot with time and got more expressive with rose, potpourri and mushroom flavors. There's a lot of cut on the palate, which keeps it fresh. The flavors in this wine are so pure, that's the best way to describe it. They evolved almost every minute, showing flashes of mushroom, cassis and all sorts of nuances. Incredibly long finish. This wine is made by bleeding off 10% of each fermenter of pinot noir and then fermenting the rose-colored juice in neutral oak barrels. Thanks, Brett, for bringing this and showing me once again that Cameron is one of my favorite producers, period. I don't put a lot of weight on scores, but I'm not kidding with a 93. Stunning. (93 pts.)

Bubbles

A Champagne shines, while a cremant de Bourgogne sucks ass.

N.V. Simonnet-Febvre Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé - France, Burgundy - I couldn't name  a specific fault in this wine. Maybe something's chemically wrong with it, but I'm not sure what it is. If it's not flawed, it sure sucks. Bright pink color in the glass. Aromas of underripe cherries and seaweed. The palate shows lots of acid along with bitter cranberries and bug spray. Gross stuff. I let it sit for a while, came back to it, and it was still crappy. Scoring this wine would be an exercise in futility.

2008 Roses de Jeanne / Cédric Bouchard Champagne Blanc de Noirs Les Ursules - France, Champagne - What a phenomenal Champagne. Complex aromas of toasted baguette, key lime and yeast. The acid in this wine is pure and bright, and it just rips across the palate. Intense lemon curd and key lime flavors and a lot of crushed limestone and minerals. This wine is so damned young and powerful, and definitely needs time to sleep, but it's pedigree is undeniable. (92 pts.)

Non-Pink Wines

A Cameron chardonnay and a quality pinot noir... a great way to finish off the evening.

2000 Cameron Chardonnay Blanc Abbey Ridge - Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills - I've never had a Cameron chardonnay this old, so it was really interesting to taste one with 12 years of age. Beautiful golden color in the glass. Aromas of pear, honey and wax, a little bit of oxidized aromas as well. Some butterscotch aromas came out with time. The palate is thick but high in acid. It has a kind of aged vin jaune aspect to it, with butterscotch, peanut shell and wax. Underneath, the flavors of yellow apple and honey show through. Lovely acid lingers on the long finish. Delicious stuff, and this got better and better with more air. It's probably time to drink up, though, as the oxidized flavors are quite strong. (90 pts.)

2010 Domaine des Moirots Givry - France, Burgundy, Givry - I loved the 2009 vintage, and the 2010 is excellent as well. Bright cherry color. Smoky fruit on the nose, like someone threw cranberries on the grill. There's a musk and beef broth aroma too that I love. Sweet cherries on the palate, along with flavors of broth amd musk. Very savory, but still light and balanced. Tastes great now, but I'd love to taste it again in five years. Considering the price and quality, I need to buy up a whole bunch of these. (90 pts.)