Rosés are my “thing” in summer (well, anytime, actually) but great wines aren’t just going to land in my lap — research is needed. And foresight, since the best Sonoma County rosé wines sell out quickly. I already missed the window at some wineries, like Cartographe Wines ... Read More »
Rose
Reviews of rose wines
Wine reviews: Four Rhone style wines rocking my world
The Rhone Rangers, a group of wine producers who have a passion for Rhône grape varietals, spreads the gospel of grapes like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne… all descendants of France’s Rhône Valley that grow quite happily in areas around California. Especially ... Read More »
Think pink for summer: 2011 Clayhouse Adobe Pink (rose wine review)
Without a doubt, White Zinfandel, with its strawberry syrup-ness, has sentenced the entire class of rosés to a crude and classless reputation. But dry rosé has made a Brittany-esque comeback. Today’s new, snazzed-up pink wine is fragrant with strawberries and watermelon, and packs a tart finish ... Read More »
Why rose wine should be in your fridge all summer
Although I drink dry rosé wines all year long, most people unfortunately lump them into the summer grog category. So by even releasing this blog post towards the end of May, I’m evidently crying uncle to the masses who lump. Dry rosés — and I’m not referring to the tooth-aching, ... Read More »
Drink pink: There’s no reason to blush when drinking rose wine
Outside, the mercury hit 95 degrees (105 if you’re counting “heat index”). One swing of the door and the humidity slaps my face, sweat streams from my pores, and my fresh application of face powder degrades to a clumpy, taupe mess. My own private steamroom. Summer as a kid meant ... Read More »
Steele Cabernet Franc Rosé
Allow this dry rosé to help you over a weekday hump. Steele, a California winery based in warm climate Lake County(northeast of Sonoma), makes this cabernet franc pink that smacks of tart cherry, even acidity and a refreshingly citrusy finish.
... Read More »Big House Pink 2008
Oh how I long for the days when Randall Grahm ran this place. Incredible and affordable, Big House was go-to reliable. But as a recent swig of this rosé attests, those days are gone. Candied sweet like a syrupy white zin, with misplaced earthiness and strong chemical flavors. Is that
... Read More »Triennes 2008 Rosé
Hails from a region just outside Provence in southern France and made from the relatively obscure cinsault grape. Flowery, honeysuckle aromas and banana chips, candied strawberry and wet rock minerality envelop the tongue. Light-hearted, refreshing and has an intriguing black pepper finish. Drink ... Read More »
El Coto 2008 Rosado Rioja
Ah, the joys of dry rosé with food – a classic, French-inspired combination. This Spanish grenache, tempranillo grape blend has tart acidity, bright candied strawberry and raspberry with a slightly earthy finish. Refreshing and cheap.
... Read More »Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2008 Parallèle 45 Rosé
This Rhone Valley wine is what I taste when I think pink: light-hearted and fruity with raspberry, cherry Jolly Rancher, ripe strawberry, mouth-watering acidity and a citrus finish. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $13
... Read More »Bonny Doon 2008 Vin Gris de Cigare California
From Randall Grahm’s infamous Bonny Doon winery comes a grenache-based rosé that smells like a fresh spring day. Zesty citrus, steely raspberry and orange blossom flavors with a clean, refreshing, red apple finish. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15
... Read More »Yangarra Estate 2007 Rosé
Not your everyday pink, this strapping, bright, fruit-driven wine has bright cherry, enough velvety tannins to satisfy a red drinker, and a delicious raspberry finish. High in bracing acidity too. Almost perfect. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $13
... Read More »