Photo Credit: Courtesy Krug
Rosé season is here! Regions like Provence and Rioja receive plenty of attention for their rosé wines but we’re proud to say that California’s wine country produces some outstanding rosé wines as well. We’ve rounded up some of the new releases of rosé wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma County, plus included a unique offering from Krug because we couldn’t completely leave France out of the mix. Whether you enjoy rosé as an aperitif or pair it with a dish, we think you’ll enjoy our selections.
Krug Rosé Jeroboam
Photo Credit: Courtesy Krug
Krug Rosé Jeroboam (around $700): You and your friends will bubble over in excitement when you see a jeroboam of Krug rosé. This marks the very first time since Krug Rosé was released in 1983 that the House of Krug presents one of its very unique prestige Champagnes in a Jeroboam. This three-litre, or double magnum bottle, has matured in the Krug cellars for more than 10 years, a longer resting period due to its larger volume; allowing the exceptional Krug Rosé to fully unfold its radiant, harmonious aromas and elegant character. It shows a broad and extensive aromatic palette, unusual for a rosé Champagne. Its aromas are radiant, revealing harmonies of puff pastry and red-berry tart, which develop towards wild fruits and spices, so as honey and citrus fruits. Its floral accents and notes of dried or stewed fruit will enthrall your palate. Its extreme delicacy is enhanced by the subtlety of its fine and elegant bubbles. Krug lovers and champagne enthusiasts alike will delight in this exceptionally rare release of only 122 Jeroboams, a truly unparalleled tasting experience to share.
2014 Flowers Winery & Vineyard Rosé
Photo Credit: Flowers Estate & Winery
2014 Flowers Estate Rosé, Sonoma Coast ($40 per bottle/170 cases produced): Brilliant, vibrant light coral hue with aromas of orange blossoms, apricot and crushed seashells. Subtle citrus notes of minneola are framed by refreshing acidity, salinity and a concentration of flavors to create a lingering finish.
Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé
Photo Credit: Courtesy Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé (non-vintage), Carneros ($36): Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé is named for Madame de la Pompadour, Louis XV’s great paramour. It was she who introduced sparkling wine to the court at Versailles and is famous for having said, “Champagne is the only wine that a woman can drink and remain beautiful.” Traditionally, fine rosé sparkling wines have been made in very small quantities and this is no exception. A blend of pinot noir (58%) and chardonnay (42%), this Brut Rosé Sparkling showcases the fruitiness of the Pinot Noir to a greater extent than Domaine Carneros’ Brut. The wine’s aroma hints at wild strawberry, ripe peach, apricot, pomegranate, honeysuckle and exotic spices. Despite its color, it is a true Brut – as dry as Domaine Carneros’ other wines.
Ehlers Estate 2014 Sylviane Rosé
Photo Credit: Ehlers Estate
Ehlers Estate 2014 Sylviane Rosé, St. Helena, ($28 per bottle / 333 cases produced): This elegant pink wine is called Sylviane in honor of Ehlers Estate’ elegant founder, Madame Sylviane Leducq. The Ehlers Estate Rosé is 100% cabernet franc, 100% estate grown and 100% certified organically farmed. Aromas of watermelon, raspberry and cotton candy mingle with orange sorbet and fresh red cherries. On the palate, the wine is crisp and dry with a sparkling acidity, low alcohol and a lingering lemon-berry finish. This is one of the most elegant and delicious rosés from Napa Valley.
Quivira 2014 Rosé
Photo Credit: Courtesy Quivira Vineyards
Quivira 2014 Rosé, Dry Creek Valley ($22 a bottle / 900 cases bottled): At Quivira, the best rosés come from Rhone varieties, particularly grenache. At two of Quivira’s estate vineyards—Goat Trek and Wine Creek—the grenache (62%) matures slowly, developing the ripe flavors necessary for great rosé while also retaining excellent natural acidity. Using the traditional Rhone companions of syrah (15%) and mourvèdre (15%) as well as Counoise (8%) adds richness and complexity. Aromas of fresh strawberries are first out, followed by notes of tart cherries, cranberries and watermelon.
Gary Farrell Winery 2014 Rosé
Photo Credit: Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery 2014 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($28 per bottle / 268 cases): This 100% pinot noir rosé will be released in June. Delicate aromas of rose petals and wild hibiscus flowers intermingle with complex notes of dried red fruits and fresh bread dough. A diverse array of flavors reveal themselves slowly, including pomegranate, feijoa, watermelon and strawberry preserves. This wine is exceedingly refreshing, pure, and impeccably balanced with natural acidity, all while providing a savory, yet mineral laden and superbly cleansing finish.,.
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs 2014 Rose of Pinot Noir
Photo Credit: CrossBarn
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs 2014 Rose of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, ($18): A radiant rose hue like Himalayan salt, this rosé has aromas of white tea, tangerine blossom, and Rainier cherry. The intense linear texture leads to a juicy palate with expressive flavors of hibiscus, jicama, white peach and oyster shell. The crisp finish is highlighted by steely acidity with hints of citrus and sea breeze. Crossbarn produces wines that are readily drinkable and accessible due to their screw-off caps, which makes them ideal for any outdoor barbeque, picnic, or concert!
Inman Family Wines 2014 Rosé of Pinot Noir “Endless Crush”
Photo Credit: Courtesy Inman Family Wines
Inman Family 2014 Rosé of Pinot Noir “Endless Crush”, Russian River Valley, ($25): Kathleen Inman, winemaker/tasting room manager/owner, first created “Endless Crush” as a 20th anniversary present to her husband, Simon. This 2014 vintage of “Endless Crush,” an intentional rosé was made entirely with organically-grown Pinot Noir from her Olivet Grange Vineyard. This wine is a beautiful, pale, delicate pink and is crisp and refreshing. Aromas are wild strawberry, passion fruit, honeysuckle, guava and ruby grapefruit zest; flavors of strawberry, mineral, blood orange and watermelon rind delight.
