Gems in My Glass . . . June 2020
Exhilarating Summertime Rosé
Summer is a perfect time to snap up bright, refreshing wines. Several delicious rosés I recently tasted fit the bill perfectly. Among those highly recommended include:
Abacela Winery 2019 Grenache Rosé, Umpqua Valley, Oregon: This vivacious, remarkable dry rosé shows off a shimmering peachy-pink hue and a nose of summer berries and floral tones. Layers of fresh picked raspberries, cranberry juice, a trace of lemongrass, watermelon, and sweet clementines right off the tree are irresistible. Bracing acidity keeps it perfectly balanced, and the perky finale delivers exceptional length. www.abacela.com
Jean Philippe Moulin NV Champagne Rosé, Champagne, France: Here is a stylishChampagne crafted of 85% chardonnay and 15% pinot noir. Aromas of fresh-bakedbrioche and sun-kissed apples waft from the glass. Crisp apples, lemon verbena,strawberries and cream, and banana bread fill the palate. Balancing acidity, tiny bubbles and a finemousse add to its charm. www.nakedwines.com
Russian River Vineyards 2019 Wedge Family Vineyard Petite Sirah Rosé, Fountaingrove District, California: The expressive berry aroma of this zesty dry rosé is very inviting. It is elegant while delivering great depth of flavor, with notes of Santa Rosa plum, fresh strawberry shortcake, huckleberry, citrus accents, and subtle spice. Finely balanced and crisp with a lingering finish. www.russianrivervineyards.com
Pennyroyal Farm 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California: This juicy, elegant dry Rosé leads off with fragrant scents of a summer floral bouquet. Waking up the palate are Sweetheart cherry and wild raspberry flavors with a trace of fresh chopped herbs. Balancing acidity keeps it ever so lively through the persistent finish. www.pennyroyalfarm.com
Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards 2019 GSM Notre Vue Rosé, Chalk Hill, California: This zesty rendition of dry rosé composed of equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre is extraordinary. A fireworks-like display of flavors burst in the mouth. Layers of Opal plums, red raspberries, a trace of anise, orange zest, and ground nutmeg intertwine and head to a mouthwatering finish. www.notrevueestate.com
Del Rio Vineyard Estate NV Jolee Rosé, Oregon: Highly aromatic and inviting, here is a delightful semi-sweet rosé with a stimulating fragrance of fresh spring flowers. It is smoothly textured with crisp acidity and just a touch of spritz. Succulent berries, cherries, and faint spice swirl richly on the palate as it heads to an upbeat close. www.delriovineyards.com
Summerland Winery 2019 Grenache Rosé, Paso Robles, California: This remarkably balanced grenache rosé springs open with a spunky citrus blossom aroma. Layers of loganberry, graphite, pink grapefruit, hints of earth, and spice-dusted red raspberry compote are scintillating. Brisk acidity and a silky texture transport the wine to a lifted finish. www.summerlandwine.com
Merriam Vineyards 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California: Enticing and expressive at first whiff, with a bowlful of fresh cherries on the nose, this rosé expands broadly on the palate. Sweetheart cherries, cranberry-raspberry chutney, lemon-scented peaches, and spice intertwine. Sleek, vivid, and well balanced with a persistent finish. www.merriamvineyards.com
