Style of the Month: Rosé

 

It’s that time of year again. Time for the new releases of Rosé—the summer favorite and year round delight. Light and lively, with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and spice—Rosé is the crisp and refreshing choice for picnics and barbecues but also easy to pair with a variety of meal options. Rosé color can range from deep golden salmon to translucent onionskin to barely there pale pink. Fill you glass and get ready for another season of #RoseAllDay.

 

Here are some capsule reviews of Rosé wines you may find along the Wine Road.

 

 

Capo Creek 2023 Rosé of Grenache, North Coast

 

The Capo Creek 2023 Rosé of Grenache, North Coast is composed of 83% Grenache and 17% Zinfandel. It has a light salmon color with a nose of strawberry, cherry, Santa Rosa plum and watermelon. On the palate it’s soft as cotton candy, yet bold with spicy flavors of strawberry, ripe raspberry, cherry and pomegranate. Nice structure overall with a long spicy finish. Pair with Ginger Lime Panna Cotta.

 

ABV 14.1%

$ 28

 

Jeff Cohn Cellars Pure Pink 2023 Rosé of Syrah Rockpile Vineyard, DCV

 

The Jeff Cohn Cellars Pure Pink 2023 Rosé of Syrah is from the Rockpile Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. The color is a deep salmon with a golden glow at the edges. On the nose, scents of watermelon and pink peppercorn. On the palate, a medley of juicy mango, blackberries, raspberry, strawberry and grounding note of clove on the long bright finish. Pair with Parmesan and Onion tart.

 

AVB 13.2%

$ 35

 

Pedroncelli 2023 Dry Creek Valley Rosé of Zinfandel, Bushnell Vineyard

 

The Pedroncelli 2023, Dry Creek Valley, Rosé of Zinfandel from Bushnell Vineyard is a pretty copper rose gold in color. On the nose, notes of watermelon, candied strawberry, citron, grapefruit and a touch of ginger spice. On the palate it’s lively and spirited with refreshing flavors of bright strawberry, watermelon, pink grapefruit pith, and honeydew. Pair with Fried Green Tomatoes drizzled with sweet chili sauce.

 

ABV 13.9%

$22

 

Quivira Vineyards 2023 Wine Creek Ranch Rosé DCV

 

The Quivira Vineyards 2023 Wine Creek Ranch Rosé from Dry Creek Valley is a

blend of 53% Grenache, 22% Petit Sirah, 14% Counoise, 7% Mourvedre, and 4% Primitivo. It has a soft pale pink color with a rosy gold rim like a sunrise. On the nose, it’s a summery confection of strawberry, watermelon, cherry and bubble gum.  On the palate, steely acidity with flavors of raspberry, strawberry, candied ginger and thyme. On the finish, a soft creaminess emerges with a distinct note of passion fruit. Pair with French radishes with herb butter and salt for dipping.

 

ABV 13.5%

$32

 

Saini Vineyards 2023 Valentina Marie Rosé of Grenache DCV

 

The Saini Vineyards 2023 Valentina Marie Rosé of Grenache, Dry Creek Valley is a pale rose gold parchment color. On the nose, it’s aromatic with scents of spicy carnation, watermelon, cherry and pomegranate. On the palate it sings with flavors of lime, hibiscus, tomato leaf, ginger and a note of creamy passion fruit on the long fine finish. Pair with Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil salad.

 

ABV 12.5%

$27

 

Robert Young Rachel’s Rosé 2022, Alexander Valley

 

The Robert Young Rachael’s Rosé 2022 Alexander Valley, is the first wine made by Rachael Taylor, a 6^th generation scion of the Young Family, in honor of her great-great-great-grandmother Rachael Young. The color is a soft ginger pink with a gold tinge at the rim. On the nose, rose petals, strawberry, parchment, dried thyme and lavender linen. The palate is taut and tart with notes of sweet strawberry, orange marmalade, limeade, and rhubarb. Pair with grilled summer squash with a tomato-goat cheese pesto. 

 

ABV 13.2%

$37

Varietal of the Month: Zinfandel

You can’t come to Sonoma and not taste Zinfandel. Well, you could but why would you? Especially since the area is one of the premier Zinfandel growing regions where the grape has been grown since the 1800’s. Zinfandel is a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of dark fruit flavors that include raspberry, blueberry, red and black cherry, and plum. Notes of tobacco, brambles, and spice are common as well. Medium tannins make Zinfandel a versatile food pairing wine for a wide range of dishes from pizza to barbecue. 

Here are capsule reviews of Zinfandel’s you may find along the Wine Road. 

 

NOTE: The wines below were tasted and evaluated 100% by a human being. No AI was harmed or used in the writing of these notes. 

 

Acorn Heritage Vines 2019 Zinfandel, Alegría Vineyards, Russian River Valley

The Acorn Heritage Vines 2019 Zinfandel from the Russian River Valley is a field blend of 78% Zinfandel along with 11% Alicante Bouschet and 9% Petite Sirah. I implore you to get a bottle and see the 16 other varieties that make up the remaining 2% —it’s astounding and it’s also what makes Acorn field blends so enigmatic and pleasurable.  On the nose, notes of mocha, blackberry tea, Santa Rosa plum and garrigue—which are herbaceous shrubs found in the Mediterranean. On the palate, multiple layers of flavor come into play. Soft medium tannins support notes of salty licorice, blackberry and plum that offer both juiciness and depth with a bright spicy finish.  

 

ABV 14.5

$50

       

Carol Shelton Rockpile Reserve 2019 Zinfandel, Florence Vineyard, Sonoma County 

 

The Carol Shelton Rockpile Reserve 2019 Zinfandel hails from a region famed for the grape and is grown at an elevation of 1400 feet. On the nose a light dusty scent of sage, crushed violet, and briar with a vanilla-mocha note like warm s’mores. On the palate it’s a rush of flavor with rhubarb, raspberry, plum, mocha and all-spice. Taut tannins build to a long satisfying finish with lively acidity and spicy earthy notes of thyme and cedar. 

ABV 14.8%

$42

 

DeLoach Vineyards 2019 Zinfandel, Wild Creek, Dry Creek Valley 

The DeLoach Vineyards 2019 Zinfandel from Wild Creek in Dry Creek Valley checks all the boxes for a classic Zinfandel. On the nose, chocolate covered raspberries interspersed with notes of white pepper, butterscotch and sweet tobacco. It’s both earthy and bright. On the palate juicy acidity with notes of plum sauce, ripe strawberry, and peach preserves. Multi layered finish with deep flavors of sweet briar and blueberry pie ride upon soft plush tannins with notes of black pepper, cinnamon and sweet tobacco. 

 

ABV 14.5%

$50

 

Dry Creek Vineyard 2019 Zinfandel Farmhouse Vineyard 

 

The Dry Creek Vineyard 2019 Zinfandel, from the Farmhouse Vineyard, almost brought a tear to my eye in gratitude and appreciation. It’s a marvel of balance between fruit, tannin and acidity. On the nose, bright strawberry, all-spice, black cherry, blueberry and a seductive meaty note that was thoroughly enticing. On the palate a harmonic convergence of peach preserves, strawberry and an herbal sage note that gives it depth and continuity. It’s buoyant, balanced and complex with hints of white pepper and dark chocolate on the long fine finish. 

ABV14.2%

$46

 

Dutcher Crossing 2019 Zinfandel Bacigalupi Vineyard 

 

The 2019 Dutcher Crossing Zinfandel from Bacigalupi Vineyard, is bursting with the vitality and verve that I’ve come to associate with Bacigalupi fruit. Upon opening, the nose has faint earthy notes of sweet briar and brambles along with dusty gravel and saddle leather. As it evolves in the glass, scents of strawberry waft up along with a warm tendril of vanilla and mocha. On the palate, a plush body with flavors of black cherry, blueberry and blackberry and a hint of clove. The soft tannins deliver a spicy finish with grounding notes of dark plum and soft sage. It’s sleek and smooth and savory. 

 

ABV 15.1%

$ 41

 

Ehret 2021 Zinfandel Knights Valley

 

The Ehret 2021 Zinfandel form Knights Valley is a beguiling beauty. On the nose, a clean scent of fresh picked strawberry, and a delightful mix of vanilla, butterscotch, peach and fleshy bing cherry. On the palate there’s a savory meaty note along with rich voluptuous flavors of blueberry and boysenberry. The long soft finish has hints of licorice and sage. Great balance of tannins and acidity make this a sure thing for a variety of pairings. But nothing beats a classic pairing like some low and slow smoked maple barbecue ribs. 

 

ABV 15.5%

$60

 

J. Rickards Winery 2019 Old Vine Zinfandel, 1908 Brignole Vineyard, Alexander Valley

 

Three cheers for field-blends and old vines! The J. Rickards Winery 2019 Old Vine Zinfandel from the 1908 Brignole Vineyard in Alexander Valley is another great example of how even tiny quantities of a varietal can add to the overall shape, tone and texture of a wine. Add to the mix the immeasurable value of gnarly old vines, and you have all the makings of a mythic wine. The grapes in the blend are 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane, 4% Mataro and a 1% Alicante Boushet, Muscat Canelli and Golden Chasselas. On the nose, notes of strawberry, red cherry, blueberry and spicy carnation. Full bodied with flavors of red and black currant, and secondary notes of mocha and vanilla. The spicy finish rings long and clear to the end with notes of strawberry and rhubarb.  

 

ABV 14.8%

$32

 

Kelley & Young 2017 Zinfandel Alexander Valley, Robert Young Vineyard

The Kelley & Young 2017 Zinfandel from the Robert Young Vineyard in Alexander Valley is comprised of 96% Zinfandel and 4% Peitie Sirah. It’s multi-faceted with a rich fruit and balanced tannins. On the nose, scents of chocolate covered blueberries and raspberries with a spot of black licorice and black pepper. On the palate it’s opulent and sultry with notes of blueberry, butterscotch, and spiced peaches. The vibrant finish sallies forward with of notes of tart cherry, sage and blackberry. It’s a meaty meal of a wine that would pair beautifully with a roasted leg of lamb.

 

ABV 15.8%

$36

 

Limerick Lane 2021 Zinfandel Russian River Valley

 

The Limerick Lane 2021 Zinfandel from Russian River Valley is both feisty and profound. And you gotta love a wine that quotes Aristotle right on the label — “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” This wine is marvelous indeed, with a perfumed nose of hibiscus, blackberry, cedar incense, sweet tobacco, boysenberry and wet gravel. Notes of chalk and dusty cocoa are present as well. On the palate, punchy flavors of tart cranberry, thyme, blackberry, and red plum. Fine balance of acid and tannin bring a fruity freshness and vitality to this varietal with a minty snap of spice on the long lingering finish. 

 

ABV 14.9%

$ 46

 

Tadddei Wines 2021 Zinfandel Ioonnatti Vineyard Dry Creek Valley

The Tadddei Wines 2021 Zinfandel from the Ioonnatti Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is a wine of grace and structure. The nose is a potpourri of strawberry, raspberry, clove and a subtle touch of nutmeg and sweet tobacco. On the palate, soft tannins with an abundance of red and black fruits and plump chocolate covered raisins, aka Raisinets—an old-school theater favorite. It’s rich and supple with a fresh minty-herbal note on the finish. Pair with good friends and deep conversation.

ABV 15.5%

$65

 

Woodenhead 2019 Zinfandel 1925/1939 Old Vine, Alexander Valley 

 

The Woodenhead 2019 Zinfandel, from Alexander Valley is another fine example of a dazzling field-blend with great depth and nuance. The wine is one-of-a-kind, the product of a confluence of circumstances that led the winemaker to acquire the old vine grapes before the vineyard was sold to a new owner. On the nose, ripe boysenberry and black plum with a touch of sweet briar, sage and rooibos tea. The palate is full with flavors of just picked strawberry, blueberry, rhubarb and grounding notes of mocha and nutmeg. The long taut finish recalls the herbal qualities first detected on the nose and rounds out with a gingery note of cardamom. Unfined and unfiltered it’s an honest expression of the varietal with no pretense. The “just right” tannins leave you thirsting for the next sip. 

 

ABV 15%

$ 35

 

 

 

Varietal of the Month: Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a medium body, dry white wine lighter than a Chardonnay and heavier than a Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigo. Gewürz means spice in German and the grape hails from Alsace the French wine region bordering Germany. It’s a cool climate grape that exhibits great aromatics and texture with refreshing spicy flavors such as lychee, passion fruit, cinnamon, clove and ginger with a dry, crisp finish.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County

 

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Gewürztraminer from Mendocino is made from Organic grapes and has a pale straw color like a muted sunbeam. Inhale deeply and be swept away by the heady bouquet of rose petal and orange blossom with tropical notes of lychee and guava. On the palate it’s bright, fresh and fruity with great texture and full of flavors of bergamot, Bosc pear and spicy apple cinnamon that I found reminiscent of Apple Jacks. Balanced and round with a tart yet silky finish and final note of elderflower. Pair with red Thai curry.

 

ABV 13.25

$16

Balletto Vineyards 2020 Gewürztraminer, Russian River Valley

 

The Balletto Vineyards 2020 Gewürztraminer is grown in Russian River Valley and has a pale translucent yellow tone in the glass. It’s soft and aromatic on the nose with scents of lychee, peach and a wonderful toasty base note of warm marshmallow. On the palate a plush mouth feel with creamy round notes of peach, guava, ripe pear and hint of spicy ginger. Pair with Spring rolls and Hoisin dipping sauce. 

 

ABV 13.9%

$20

 

Mill Creek 2021 Gewürztraminer, Dry Creek Valley

 

Pale rose-gold in color, the Mill Creek 2021 Gewürztraminer from Dry Creek Valley, truly sparkles in the glass. A wonderful clean dry scent of freshly laundered linen on the nose with notes of rose petals, peach kernel, honey and ginger. Soft and plush it has great balance with rich flavors of bosc pear, bergamot, Turkish delight (rose water) white peach and a spicy cinnamon note on the finish. Pair with flaky white fish steamed with ginger, garlic, soy, and scallions. 

 

ABV 14.7%

$

Optima 2021 Gewürztraminer, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Optima 2021 Gewürztraminer from Dry Creek Valley is a veritable garden of delights with intense aromatics on the nose comprised of passion fruit, rose petals, white nectarine, and spicy notes of cinnamon. The palate is opulent and viscous, opening with notes of honeydew, ripe pear, lychee and peach. The finish is spicy and bright with lemongrass, cardamom, honey, clove, and ginger. Dry and delicious, pair with an old school classic—Gruyère, or gouda cheese Fondue.

 

ABV 14.1%

$28

Joseph Swan Vineyards 2019 Gewürztraminer Saralee’s Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

The Joseph Swan Vineyards 2019 Gewürztraminer from the famed Saralee’s Vineyard in Russian River Valley has a thoroughly captivating nose of perfumed rose petals and sandalwood. Dry yet full flavored on the palate with bright notes of honey, pink grapefruit, creamy peach and spice. Wonderful balance overall with a spicy finish. Pair with bratwurst and sauerkraut for a hearty dish of old world flavor.

 

ABV 13.3%

$

Rosé: Style of the Month

 

Rosé season is here and the annual crop of new releases practically makes me giddy. I can almost hear Ethel Merman belting out “Curtain up! Light the lights! Honey, everything's coming up roses!” But of course I hear her sing Roses as Rosés. Okay, so maybe Rosé does not conjure up Ethel for you—but Rosé can certainly spark joy with it’s easy to drink style and playful pink color; full of summer fruit flavors and a crisp, refreshing finish. By the way, I drink Rosé year-round for a fresh burst of summertime, anytime. #ROSÉALLYEAR

 

Here are capsule reviews of Rosé you may find along the Wine Road. 

 

Acorn Alegría Vineyards 2021 Rosato Field Blend, RRV

 

Just reading the list of varieties in this Acorn field blend sets my expectations for a wine that will be both thrilling and delicious—and it is! Composed primarily of Syrah, Zinfandel, Dolcetto, and Sangiovese—the Acorn Rosato is nod to the Italian style of Rosé made from a range of indigenous Italian grapes. Initial aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and pink peppercorn are followed by notes of watermelon and fleshy ripe cherry. Balanced and complex, it’s full of juicy red fruit flavors, with a creamy raspberry finish. Pair with grilled chicken and warm goat cheese salad.

 

ABV 13%

$35

  

Baldassari 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

The Baldassari 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir is an intentional Rosé made with grapes harvested at a lower sugar rate in order to make a more delicate and lower alcohol wine. The color is the palest of pale, almost translucent. It’s a lovely balance of fruit and acid with notes of nectarine, strawberry, thyme and rose hips on the nose. On the palate, crisp favors of pink grapefruit, lime zest, and coriander predominate, with a distinct creamy peach note. The long dry finish is clean and bright with a touch of saline and rosewater. Pair with grilled shrimp and pineapple fried rice. 

 

ABV 12.9%

$28

 

Balletto 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

Fermented in stainless steel, the Balletto Rosé of Pinot Noir is exceedingly crisp and bright. Pale pink in color, it opens with a delightful bouquet of crushed rose petals, carnation and strawberry-lime. Great acidity and balance with a marvelous texture and zingy flavors of watermelon, white peach, Rainier cherry and nectarine. Dry and precise with a steely finish and a lingering note of pink peppercorn and orange zest. Pair with spicy sushi tuna rolls. 

 

ABA 13.3%

$22

 

Jeff Cohn Cellars 2017 Iris Brut Rosé Sparkling, Sonoma County

 

The Jeff Cohn Cellars Brut Rosé is made Méthode Traditionnelle with 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre. In the glass the color sparkles like a pink tutu made of tulle and taffeta with a rush of bubbles that race to the top. The creamy body floats across the palate with delicate flavors of cherry, raspberry cream and wild strawberry. Refreshing and celebratory—pair with truffle popcorn or blinis with crème fraiche and smoked salmon.

 

ABV 12.79%

$60

 

Martinelli 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

 

The Martinelli Rosé of Pinot Noir is a pretty pale rose color with a slight blue undertone. On the nose, wonderful aromas of rhubarb, strawberry, candied violet, cotton candy and rosewater. Juicy flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and a touch of orange peel are crisp and refreshing. The long clean finish is dry with notes of crushed rocks and a spicy pink peppercorn note at the end. Pair with Salmon cakes and Panzanella salad.

 

ABV 14.9%

$28

 

Martorana Family Winery 2021 Rosé of Zinfandel, DCV

 

The Martorana Rosé of Zinfandel has a classic pale pink color with a slight tinge of onionskin orange. A profusion of aromas fill the glass including candied ginger, orange peel, dried strawberry and crushed rose petals. Well-balanced and juicy it has flavors of gooseberry, watermelon, cherry, and a hint of cantaloupe. The steely finish presents notes of creamy peach and nectarine. Pair with baked goat cheese salad and prosciutto wrapped figs.

 

ABV 13%

$28

 

Pedroncelli 2021 Rosé of Zinfandel, DCV

 

The Pedroncelli Rosé of Zinfandel has a captivating medium pink hue reminiscent of watermelon juice. On the nose a bouquet of rose petals, honeydew, and strawberry with a base note of peach and vanilla. Great balance of fruit and acidity deliver flavors of watermelon, thyme and raspberry. The bright crisp finish has a mineral quality like wet slate and a lingering note of spicy coriander. Pair with barbecued spare ribs.

 

ABV 13.9%

$22

 

Carole Shelton, Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé, Mendocino County

 

Oh my, one sip and it makes you wonder, what came first—The Troggs song Wild Thing, or Carole Shelton’s Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé? In any event this luscious Rosé made with Carignane and Zinfandel grapes, has a brilliant ruby pink color and is bursting with aromas of brambles, cherry, wild strawberry, bright raspberry and hibiscus. Zesty with great acidity and body, it pulses with fresh flavors of watermelon, red grapefruit, and orange creamsicle. The finish is dry crisp with a refreshing minerality. Wild Thing, I think I love you! Pair with your favorite old vinyl records and Chinese Chicken Salad.

 

ABV 13.5%

$18

 

Ridge Lytton Springs Wine Blogger Tasting III

This past Sunday Christopher Watkins, the Tasting Room Manager for Ridge Monte Bello, held a vertical tasting of Zinfandels from the Ridge Lytton Springs Library as well some select Cabernets from the vault at Ridge Monte Bello. This was an exceptional line up of wines and one might expect a formal setting and a hushed silence of reverence for the tasting. Instead it was serious amount of fun, a relaxed and casual day of tasting out on the crush pad at Ridge Lytton Springs. It was a scorcher the day we sat down to try the wines, but the crush pad stayed a cool 80 degrees in the shade. Hard to know if this temperature affected the wines on the palate, but I felt the heat made it slightly more difficult to capture the nose.

Chris assembled a terrific slate of writers and bloggers for the event and you can a find a full roster and links to the participant’s blogs here:

It’s great to sit with a group of enthusiasts to talk and tweet about wine on a high intellectual level. Okay, so that’s not exactly what happened at my end of the table. One thing about tweeting is that it makes initial interaction rather stunted. I was actually talking to Liza on twitter @BrixChix_Liza via tweets, even though she was sitting right next to me. Oh what a weird world we live in. Eventually we lifted our eyes off our phones and met our tablemates.

I had the pleasure of meeting David Tong and Richard Jennings among many others. Also in attendance was the notorious Ron Washam who pens The Hosemaster of Wine blog. Ron is an expert blogger baiter calling out the ridiculousness of bloggers and their antics in carefully crafted and parody filled prose, so I was expecting more of a general drubbing from him that day. But instead he merely threw out a few stale zingers and behaved himself for the most part. I think maybe it’s because the people at the table were serious about wine and serious about writing about it and sharing it with others, but for the most part don’t take themselves very seriously. So it’s hard to get your hooks into someone who agrees that what they do is not brain surgery for rocket scientists. Or some other fractured metaphor of false aggrandizement.

Maybe he was just caught up in the moment of sending his first tweet.

Oh dear, Ron tweeted, the world as we know it has ended. Anyway, enough about Ron, on to the wines.

The vintages we tasted included the Lytton Spring Zinfandels from 1987, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, & 2007.

The standouts for me included:

1992– Lavender notes and on the nose and good tannins

1993—A yeasty almost lemon cupcake-y scent with long finish. I was quoted as saying this made me want to have a cigarette and I don't even smoke.

2003—Interesting salty soy like quality. Umami as Chris says. Perhaps would make for a good sushi Zin.

2005—Hints of green pepper and fruit forward with a touch of grapefruit. Me likey very muchy.

2007—Full lush and worthy of an animal sacrifice on the BBQ.

We also tasted Cabernets from Ridge Monte Bello 1991, 1992 & 1994.

I thought all the Monte Bello Cabernets were complex and multi-faceted, but the 1994 had the perfect aligning of the planets for my palate.

We discussed foods that would pair well with the wines and came up with everything from tempura to guinea pig. We also theorized that if wine had been aboard the Apollo 11 moon launch they might never have left the capsule for the first moonwalk. Imagine what might have resulted. —

“That’s one small sip for Man and the rest of this Zinfandel from Monte Bello for Me. Huston, I’m staying here in the capsule and drinking this Monte Bello. It’s literally out of this world.”

How we got on to the subject of space travel is probably my fault, but that’s the fun of tasting. Everyone has a unique frame of reference to call upon in describing wine.

Here are a few screen shots of what others had to say:

You can search twitter for the hashtag #Ridgewines and read more of the tweets that where unleashed during the tasting.

Thanks to Christopher and also to Brandy Alexander (yes, her real name) for organizing and hosting the event.