Come for the Wine: May 2023

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Friday, May 19, 2023

Style of the Month: Rosé

Are you ready to Think Pink? It’s time to roll out the Rosé and slip into the warm embrace of summertime. Although Rosé has become a year-round choice—it shines brightest in the summer. Light and lively, with flavors of strawberry, watermelon and spice—Rosé is the crisp and refreshing choice for your table as well as the picnics and barbecues that make the season special. Depending on the varietal it’s made from, the color can range from deep salmon to a translucent onionskin to barely there pale pink.

Here are some capsule reviews of Rose wine you may find along the Wine Road.

Martinelli 2022 Roséof Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

The Martinelli 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast is rich and full flavored. On the nose, orange peel, strawberry and a hint of thyme. On the palate, brilliant acidity with juicy notes of grapefruit, citrus zest, and crabapple, in balance with grounding notes of black olive and cayenne. The long satisfying finish has an earthy cohesion. Both Ying and Yang, this delicious Rosé of Pinot Noir is not to be missed. Pair with barbecue spare ribs.

ABV 14.8%

$28

Merriam 2022 Rose of Pinot Noir, RRV

The Merriam 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley has a delicate pale pink color. On the nose scents of rose petals, strawberry and peaches with touch of cranberry. It’s refreshing and bright with bracing acidity and flavors of juicy watermelon, strawberry, peach and crisp apple. Lively spicy finish with notes of grapefruit and kiwi. Like the potato chip dare—you won’t be able to stop at one sip. It may be cliché to say —but it’s truly summer in a glass. Pair with goat cheese and pear salad.

ABV 13.9%

$30

Moshin Vineyards 2022Rose of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

The Moshin Vineyards 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley softly glows with a light pink-salmon color. An enticing floral nose with notes of amber, lavender and grapefruit fills the glass. It is full of rich and juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry lemonade, and bright ginger. It evolves and deepens as it warms, showing red apple and quince and a touch of basil as it glides to a long spicy finish. Pair with grilled shrimp and pineapple fried rice.

ABV 13.5%

$ 32

Pedroncelli 2022 DryCreek Valley Rose of Zinfandel

The Pedroncelli 2022 Rosé of Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley shines in the glass with a pink-marmalade color. On the nose an aromatic parade of rosebuds, strawberry, rhubarb and raspberry. The palate is precise and clean with notes of cinnamon, raspberry, watermelon and all spice. It has bright acidity with a core of fresh red fruits that packs a wallop of serious flavor into a fun and easy drinking Rosé. An earthy brambly note emerges on the long spicy finish. Pair with spicy tuna sushi rolls.

ABV 13.9%

Peterson 2021Bradford Mountain Rose, Dry Creek Valley

The Peterson 2021 Rosé from Dry Creek Valley is many-splendored thing comprised of 66% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, and 16% Grenache. It’s a medium pink salmon color with a spring-like scent in the glass, most notably the alluring fragrance of freesias. Complex and multilayered with a medley of strawberry, peach and citrus flavors on the palate. Each sip brings a new dimension. The spicy finish has a touch of anise and quince under the persistent creamy strawberry flavor. Keep sipping and enjoy the ride. Pair with Salmon cakes and Panzanella salad.

AVB 12.7%

$24

Sonoma-Cutrer 2022Rose of Pinot Noir, RRV

The Sonoma-Cutrer 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is an ode to summertime. In the glass it’s a barely there blush of pink that belies it’s bounty of flavor. On the nose a floral bouquet of grapefruit, orange blossoms, rose petals and a pleasing herbal touch of thyme. On the palate it’s bright and fresh with great acidity and flavors of watermelon and strawberry, with a minty-ginger note on the finish. It’s like a spa treatment for your taste buds. Pair with Feta, mint and watermelon salad.

ABV 11.9%

$20