Wines Tasted - June 04, 2010

Archery Summit Winery - Vireton Rose' - Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley - Oregon - 2009 - $20 - (Patio Wine, Food Wine, Summer Sipper) - A new release from Archery Summit, this wine showcases bright pale pink/salmon color, and a bouquet of fresh red flowers, strawberry and crushed cranberry.  Loaded with acidity to refresh the palate and a tooth coating viscosity.  A touch spritzy at the moment, which continues with the refreshing theme, but remember that this wine has some weight to it.  Highly recommended with Chilled Salmon Salad with Goat Cheese Crumbles.

Wines Tasted - May 28, 2010

Rose' Wines I've Enjoyed:

Domaine Sorin - Cotes du Provence - Rose' - 2009 - $16 - (Classic, Food Wine) - Aromas of ripe peach, strawberry and red currant abound amongst cracked sea shells and red flowers.  Bright Acidity and a refreshing length to the finish.  A delight with Antipasti and Buratta over Grilled Bread.

Carlotta Cellars - Eagle Point Ranch - Grenache Rose' - Mendocino - 2009 - $18 - (Classic, Food Wine) - Vinified by a great Sommelier and great friend: David Grega and his business partner Aran Healy, from top quality Grenache fruit from the famed Eagle Point Ranch.  This is not saigne', this is also not a full throttle version of a rose'.  This is however a well balanced, food-friendly version of a Southern Rhone (think Lirac or Navarra) or Northern Spain Grenache.  I loved the salmon/pink color extraction, the soft white flowers and pink skinned fruits glowing in the aromas.  The palate was more shy (only a few weeks in bottle) yet I feel restraint is the sign of a good Rose' producer.  This wine should show more lifted characteristics as Spring becomes Summer.  Enjoy now with Humboldt Fog on Warm Baguette.

New Rose' Packaging

Pine Ridge Vineyards - Encantado - Rose' - 2008 - $20 - (Food Wine) - An elegant package for an elegant wine. Based on Cabernet saigne', with small amounts of Petite Verdot. Brisk and refreshing acidity recall an afternoon in Tavel. Perfect with: Baked Goat Cheese over Fresh Winter Greens Lightly Dressed with an Herb Vinaigrette.