Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen soldiers. It is also the unofficial kickoff of grilling season and a great time to sit on the deck with a bottle of Rosé. Smart wineries are releasing their Rosé right now in advance of the hot weather and smart consumers should be stocking their cellars for the Summer.
Below are some new release wines that will make it into my Rosé repertoire over the coming months.
- 2013 Board Track Racer The Vincent – From Mark Ryan. Salmon colored. 13.9% ABV. Rosé of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Cranberry and floral notes on the nose. Medium acidity and slightly tart. Peach cobbler, strawberries and watermelon on the palate. Somewhat brooding for a Rosé. Definitely a food wine. Cool label for those inclined to such things. $15 at retail. My rating: 90 points.
- 2013 Trust Cellars – Pinkish red in color. 12.5% ABV. Rosé of Cabernet Franc. Strawberry and orange zest on the nose. Light acidity and a touch of sweetness. Cherry Jolly Rancher and watermelon on the palate. A touch sweeter than I would like but this will have a place on a scorching hot August afternoon. $17 at retail. My rating: 88 points.
- 2013 Seven Hills – Light salmon colored. 11.8% ABV. Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Pear and flowers on the nose. Rich with lively acidity. Strawberry, cherry and a hint of spice on the palate. Bone dry and nicely balanced. A total bargain at $14. My rating: 89 points.
So there is a shopping list of 3 nicely made Rosé wines just in time for a Memorial Day barbecue. I’d love to hear about your favorite Washington Rosé style wines.
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I have to go with Gramercy Cellars. Just had my last bottle a few weeks ago. Love the dry caramel note that it has on the finish.
Thanks Lon. I like Gramercy as well althought admittedly it is much more expensive than the wines above.
True, that’s one thing I didn’t factor in. It does cost about $10 more than the ones above.
I have a set of favorites, a little higher on the price side I guess: gramercy, syncline, kerloo, tranche. My favorite was maison Bleue, but he decided not to make it anymore. His rosé was the one that got me into well made dry rosé. From California I enjoy the one from epoch
Anyone tried the L’Egerie rosé from Avennia? I’m intrigued…
Hi Kyle. I bought the Avennia last year. Really nice wine. In fact I think the release party is fast approaching.
Indeed it is! I’ve been on the fence about going in on some of the rose.
I love the Gramercy, but am intrigued at some cheaper options, thanks! Another nice one I’ve been enjoying- Tranche Pink Pape.
Also intrigued by the Avennia, but wish it was cheaper.
Does anyone know, has Betz ever done a rose?
Betz did a rosé called Petit Rousse a few years back and released it with their Syrah. Last year they were going to do a more traditional rosé and release it via their Facebook page. You might want to check with the winery.
My go to WA roses that I find on discount here in Spokane a lot are Maison Bleue, Tranche, Syncline and the Renegade.