I had planned to save the post until the first day of Summer, but lets face it, Summer is here despite what the calendar says. Every year I try to write about a few new Rosé wines to put on your radar for Summer sipping. Last years suggestions can be found Washington Rose Recommendations for Memorial Day.
I find my preference in Rosé wines shifting to the flavors more associated with the Bandol region of Provence and away from the jolly rancher/juicy fruit flavors I often see in domestic Rosé. The wines of Bandol traditionally have a high percentage of Mourvedre and smaller amounts of Grenache and Cinsault.
Below are Bottle Notes on three wines that fit what I am looking for in a terrific Rosé.
Lauren Ashton and Syncline are rather well known in the Pacific Northwest and I have blogged about Lauren Ashton previously. Coral Wines is a new producer to me. Coral Wines was co-founded in 2013 by Advanced Sommelier Christopher Chan and Business Executive Peggy Reddy.
2014 Coral Wines Rosé Wine – 85% Mourvedre and 15% Cinsault. Light salmon in color. 13.9% ABV. Fresh Strawberries, and flowers on the nose. Light, airy and fresh. Watermelon, cranberries and spice on the palate. Delicious wine that is really well made and unique. A rosé for a red wine drinker. $20 at retail. My rating: 91 points.
2014 Syncline Rosé Wine – 38% Mourvedre, 32% Cinsault, 30% Grenache. Very light salmon in color. 13.4 ABV. Red fruits, watermelon and minerals on the nose. Light body with crisp acidity. Bone dry. Fresh strawberries, rhubarb and spice on the palate. A delightful wine to be enjoyed this summer. $20 at retail. My rating: 90 points.
2014 Lauren Ashton Rosé Wine – 50% Grenache and 50% Mourvedre. Pink/orange in color. 13.3% ABV. Delicate nose of fresh strawberries, minerals and flowers. Light body with zingy acidity. Blood orange, cranberry and spices on the palate. Refreshing and crisp with just a hint of sweetness. Medium length finish. $18 at retail. My rating:91 points.
By all accounts we are in for a long, hot Summer. Stock your wine cellar accordingly.
I’d love to hear about your go to Washington Rosé Wines?
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Syncline is a favorite. I will add my favorites to the list from Washington: Tranche, Gramercy, Kerloo, Maison Bleue.
Really have been trying to buy some Oregon pinot rosé. From California I found one from Red Car that they sell at whole food, that I would recommend.
Thanks Jordan. The Attune rosé of Pinot Noir that I wrote about last week might be of interest.
Syncline rocks, but I’ve never had their rosé. Our house favorite from Washington is Renegade Wine Company Rosé. Easy on the wallet & delicious! I love Trey Busch.
Thanks Claire. I thought twice about including Syncline because it is a pretty well known commodity. That being said it is definitely in the style I like. BTW I agree that both Renegade and Trey rock!
Syncline’s not in Missouri, so not well known here! However, that’s about to change. That’s all I can say about that right now. =P