Rose all day is not just a fad. Rose wines have hit a trend with not only popularity in the tasting room but quality in the bottle. The new Rose releases in the Pacific Northwest have a much greater focus on quality, whether striving for weight, tension or range in the bottle. For the past fifteen plus years I have tasted Rose wines from the Northeast that did not draw much excitement. Many were simply an afterthought, a simple saignee and thrown in the bottle. I am amazed by the transformation of Rose wines in the Pacific Northwest. Many new wines are not only delightful in the glass but are serious, stand alone bottlings that can sit with any of the best Rose wines in North America. I have to disagree with some of my colleagues on Rose — Rose is not a simple wine if it is made correctly. It can be complex, show marvelous range and also pairs remarkably with a broad spectrum of foods. It appears that good Pacific Northwest Rose is now here to stay.
Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of sampling nearly 100 Rose wines from Washington and Oregon. I have chosen my favorites for the report, categorizing them into good value Rose wines and top scoring Rose wines. I believe this to be the first comprehensive Pacific Northwest Rose report by any wine writer and I’ll do my best to sum up what I have sampled.
Out of Washington, in terms of value, there are great Rose wines by Chateau St. Michelle, as both the 2017 14 Hands Rose (WWB, 89) and 2017 Chateau St. Michelle Rose (WWB, 89) get high marks, particularly at their price points. Also check out the 2017 Maryhill Rose (WWB, 89) and the 2017 Charles and Charles Rose (WWB, 88) which overdeliver considering their price. Seven Hills continues to make some of the best value Rose and their 2017 Seven Hills Rose (WWB, 90) is no exception, showing wonderful astringency and elegance. Amongst the top scoring Rose wines, standing tall is the stunning 2017 DeLille Cellars Rose (WWB, 93) which is truly one of the great Rose wines made in North America. This has tremendous weight, tension and range — and is nearly impossible to resist right now. Cayuse Vineyards (WWB, 93) makes a world-class Rose that shows absolutely gorgeous range, texture and complexity. Gramercy Cellars has gained a nationwide reputation for their Rose and the 2017 Gramercy Cellars Rose (WWB, 92) is up there with their best Rose wines produced. This new edition is blending at its finest, a Rhone style Rose sourced from the esteemed Olsen Vineyard. Long Shadows has a similarly great reputation for Rose and the 2017 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazze’ Rose (WWB, 92) is a downright stunning bottling that has incredible texture and ‘dazzling’ acidity that is not to be missed.
Some excellent value Rose wines hail from Oregon, particularly the 2017 Erath Rose (WWB, 88) and the 2017 Portlandia Wine Company Rose (WWB, 89). There were a host of Rose wines from Oregon that scored over 90 points. Top of its class was the 2017 Toil Rose (WWB, 93) made by superstar winemaker, Chris Figgins. This wine has gobs of mouthwatering acidity and is nearly impossible to resist right now. Just as good and truly one of the top Rose wines in North America is the 2017 Big Table Farm Rose (WWB, 93) which is rich, displaying a tremendous mouthfeel and tension. Also do not miss top Rose wines by Stoller, Child’s Play, Willakenzie Estate and Gran Moraine. Cheers to a fantastic summer of Rose from all of us at Washington Wine Blog.
Washington
Value Rose:
2017 14 Hands Rose- This deep colored wine starts off with aromas of candied red cherry with raspberry cordial aromatics and a touch of white rose. The palate shows nice weight and minerality. Red fruits mingle with floral undertones. This is an outstanding effort that impresses for the price. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Chateau St. Michelle Rose- The label implies a crisp Rose and that’s what you are delivered. Light red fruit aromatics connect with a zingy acidity that sits through the drinking experience. Seriously good, pair this awesome new Rose release with Kushi oysters. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Charles and Charles Rose- Largely comprised of Syrah, on the nose the wine starts off with a touch of lilac and pomegranate, while notes of rhubarb and a hint of cut grass show through on the palate. This ends on a strong note with a lingering cherry driven finish. The 12.3% alcohol makes for a refreshing summer beverage. Drink 2018-2020- 88 (S.L.)
2017 Revelry Vintners Rose- The winery has gained a sterling reputation for great value Rose and this wine is no exception. Made from Cabernet Franc and Grenache, this reveals light red fruit flavors with a backing of bright acidity and citrus notes. Drink 2018-2020 -88
2017 Board Track Racer Rose- A compelling value, this pale colored Rosé starts off with light watermelon and red cherry candy on the nose. The palate shows nice minerality and mouthfeel, showing off guava, ripe strawberry and orange zest flavors. A touch sweet, nonetheless delicious. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Underground Wine Project ‘And Why I’m Mr. Pink’ Rose- A Sangiovese based Rose, the wine takes on a very delicate flavor profile of red fruits with a touch of orange zest towards the back end. Nicely astringent, this really needs food to shine. Drink 2018-2020- 88
2017 Isenhower Rose- The nose is reminiscent of watermelon and guava. Very delicate, but showing good minerality, this showcases red fruits with a touch of citrus rind towards the back end. Drink 2018-2020- 88
2017 Barnard Griffin Rose- Light and soft, this delivers good acidity and lighter red fruit flavors. Enjoy this refreshing style Sangiovese Rose while the acidity remains intense. Drink 2018-2020- 87
2017 Vino La Monarcha Rose- This starts off with rose petals and watermelon on the nose. The palate shows good tension with light red fruit flavors. Refreshing and light, this is a really nice effort. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Maryhill Rose- The vivid pink color catches one's eye right away. Clocks in at 12.5% alcohol. From the Tudor Hills Vineyard, this rose offers cranberries, raspberries and a small dose of minerality. Drink 2018-2020- 89 (S.L.)
Top Rose Wines:
2017 Gramercy Cellars Rose-The 2017 Gramercy Cellars Rosé is a blend of 44% Cinsault, 31% Grenache and 25% Syrah, all sourced from the Olsen Vineyard. This pale colored Rose begins with a bouquet of white peach, red cherry candy and watermelon with a slightly smoky edge. The minerality is fantastic, as is the gorgeous mouthfeel. Balanced, showing good weight, the Rose unveils red cherry, cran-orange and rose water flavors. This is another outstanding wine made by the talented winemaking team of Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss. Drink 2018-2022- 92
2017 Côte Bonneville Rose- This Cabernet Franc Rose is the follow up to the absolutely outstanding 2016 bottling. The nose is highly perfumed with red rose and guava puree with bright strawberry. Lithe and rich on the palate, this shows off lovely watermelon, strawberry and a touch of citrus rind flavors. Delicious and highly poised, this is a stunning new wine by superstar winemaker Kerry Shiels. Drink 2018-2022- 92
2017 Lauren Ashton Rose- The 2017 Lauren Ashton Rose is a wine with sterling minerality. Lighter rose petal and watermelon aromatics fill the nose. The palate has a nice texture with red cherry, red raspberry and guava flavors. This crisp wine is a gorgeous effort by superstar winemaker Kit Singh. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Lagana Cellars Rose- Sourced from the Breezy Slope Vineyard, this 100% Pinot Noir Rose starts off with lighter red fruits on the nose, with a citrus edge. I like the combination of astringency and structure here as the wine showcases light guava, watermelon and lemon rind flavors. This is very refreshing. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Seven Hills Rose-Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, winemaker Casey McClellan has blended in smaller parts of Malbec and Petit Verdot in this Rose. Pale in color and weighing in at 12.6% alcohol, this has pear, honeydew melon and guava on the nose. You have to love the texture here as the wine reveals light red cherry and guava flavors that connect with the good tension. This is another outstanding Rose by Seven Hills. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Saviah Rose-Sourced from the Dugger Creek Vineyard this shows very pretty rose petals and red fruit on the nose. The weight and minerality is there with lovely citrus undertones. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Syncline Rose- One of the great new release Rose wines, this starts off with sexy rose petals on nose with smoky accents on the mid-palate and red cherry. Delicious and lithe, this has a dense mouthfeel and is nearly impossible to resist right nowl. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Bledsoe Family Wines Rose- The minerality and richness to this wine really stands out as lighter red fruit flavors of guava and strawberry puree build on the mouth. Gorgeous and downright delicious, this displays the signature texture of superstar winemaker Josh McDaniels. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 DAMA Wines Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc, this wine starts off with white rose, cranberry and red cherry candy on the nose. The silky texture and rich mouthfeel combines to create a wonderful experience on the tongue. Ripe strawberry puree, guava and cran-cherry flavors come to mind. Finishing strong with cherry cream and minerals, this is a downright awesome Rose by DAMA. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 Rose- Sourced from Grenache vines in the Horse Heaven Hills, this begins with aromatics of orange blossom, red cherry and rose water. The palate echoes the nose, with beautiful minerality, as these grapes were obviously picked early. I can’t help thinking how this refreshing Rose will beautifully compliment chilled shellfish. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Pursued By Bear ‘Blushing Bear’ Rose- A blend of 50% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache and 20% Cinsault, this Rose starts off with green papaya, orange zest and red cherry candy on the nose. Creamy, with a lovely texture, this is very old-world, displaying delicate red fruit flavors with a touch of citrus rind. There is a seamless quality here that drives the wine. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Tranche Rose- Lightly colored, this was aged in concrete prior to bottling. Cran-orange and a touch of wild strawberry hits the nose. Delicate, with a lithe minerality, this shows off light red fruit flavors with a touch of citrus rind towards the back end. Drink 2017-2020- 90
2017 DeLille Cellars Rose- This Rose wine is an outstanding pre-release by DeLille Cellars. Bottled in March 2018, the wine is a blend of 53% Grenache with the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault. This pale colored Rose wine starts off with aromas of rose water, watermelon, guava puree and citrus blossom. The pretty nose brings you back to the glass for more. The palate is lithe and the texture is marvelous here. Red cherry, orange peel, red raspberry puree mark the palate. The richness to this wine and acidity shines through. This is a marvelous effort by DeLille that is truly one of the best in the state. Drink 2018-2024- 93
2017 EFESTE Rose- This is a blend of Mourvedre and Grenache sourced from the Boushey Vineyard. Wonderful floral aromatics mark the nose with red fruits. This shows good astringency with a rich mouthfeel. Red cherry, cran-orange and rose water flavors impress. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Time & Direction Rose- Sourced from Grenache vines, this pale colored Rose begins with aromas of guava, strawberry and rose petals. The palate is bright, showing mouth-watering acidity. This hard to resist Rose finishes clean with light red fruits, minerals and a touch of tangerine rind. An outstanding debut, enjoy this wonderful Rose over the next few years. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Eternal Wines Rose- Sourced from Grenache vines planted in the French Creek Vineyard, this limited production, pale colored Rose starts off with light lemon zest and guava aromatics. The effervescence and astringency is lively, showcasing very delicate orange peel and red currant with watermelon flavors. Drink 2018-2022- 88
2017 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- Citrus rind, teaberry and red cherry line the delicate nose. This has a Provencale feel, with a lively acidity. The texture here is really outstanding. Light citrus and red fruit flavors mingle with minerals. This is an outstanding effort that is really needing a hot summer day. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 W. T. Vintners ‘Parasol’ Rose- This Pinot Noir Rose is Sourced from Underwood Mountain. Very delicates red fruit and rose petal aromatics grip you. There is nice weight and acidity as the mid-palate texture is marvelous showing off bright red fruit flavors with lighter citrus undertones. Great as a stand-alone Rose, this would also pair nicely with sushi. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2015 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- The ‘Edith’ Rosé comes from the Armada Vineyard, utilizing Grenache, the fruit is picked at a very low brix, crushed and then set into maceration for 24 hours followed by a gentle press. The wine is then partly stored in concrete eggs and stainless steel. The result is a wonderful fresh, precise Rosé, with aromatics of sliced strawberry, guava, white peach and wild mushroom nuances. The texture and minerality gorgeous driven by ripe strawberries, teaberry, orange rind and suggestions of baking spices, all underlined by a lovely saline streak. The texture is wonderful, as it leads to an exceedingly long finish. This is one of the finest examples of Rosé from Walla Walla. Only 119 cases made. Drink 2018-2024- 93
2017 Dunham Cellars Rose- This shows wonderful pretty aromatics with rose petals and watermelon. The astringency is really nice as the wine shows off guava, watermelon and red cherry flavors. Delicate and poised, this is an outstanding effort by Dunham. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- Sourced from The Benches Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, this wine is another spectacular effort by superstar winemaker Giles Nicault. The nose is highly perfumed with rose petals, guava puree and red cherry candy. The palate is both lush and lithe, showing off exotic rose water, cran-cherry, and blood orange flavors. The tension is vibrant, as this is nearly impossible to resist right now. Enjoy this beautiful Rose young while it keeps its verve. Drink 2018-2022- 92
Oregon
Value Rose:
2017 Erath Rose- this great value starts with aromas of orange zest with red cherry and red raspberry. Lean and linear, the wine has good structure and light red fruit flavors that connect with the tension. This needs some killer shellfish. Drink 2018-2022- 88
2017 Portlandia Wine Company Rose- A rose from the Rose City, the label is fitting in its being printed on recycled kraft paper. This simple yet elegant Rose starts off with white flowers and strawberries on the nose, followed by watermelon and cranberries on the palate with a brisk minerality. Drink 2018-2022- 89 (S.L.)
2017 Walnut City Rose- Very delicate on the nose, there are flavors of red fruits that entice. The minerality and light citrus finish makes this a winner. Drink 2018-2022- 88
2017 Wine By Joe Rose- Very delicate on the nose, the wine unveils some nice bright strawberry and guava flavors with crisp acidity. Light on its feet, this great value is perfect for a hot sumner day. Drink 2018-2020- 88
Top Rose Wines:
2017 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose- This beautifully textured wine was pressed and then stored in neutral oak prior to bottling. Unfined and unfiltered, this is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm. Richly colored, there is a wonderful vibrance and verve to this wine made of Pinot Noir grapes. Ripe strawberry and guava puree fills the nose. The palate is nearly irresistible with cran-cherry and orange zest undertones. Not for the weary, this is a rich and highly refreshing effort that is truly one of the best in North America. Drink 2018-2024- 93
NV Domaine Serene ‘X’ Rose- Beautifully astringent and refreshing, the tenth edition of this wine yields some nice sour cherry, guava and cran-orange flavors connected with minerals. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2016 Brandborg ‘Fleur de Lis’ Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Ferris Wheel Estate Vineyard, this begins with aromas of guava and teaberry. Smooth and delicate, the wine shows off light red fruit flavors with rose petal and a touch of wild mushroom. Drink 2018-2022- 88
2017 Sokol Blosser Rose- Made from Pinot Noir, this starts off with a lighter nose of rose petals and watermelon. Bright, with good acidity, the wine unveils a nice array of red fruits with a touch of citrus. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Fullerton ‘Three Otters’ Rose- A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Pinot Gris, this opens with a bouquet of rose petals, ripe red cherry and strawberry. Wonderfully balanced and poised, with strong acidity, the wine showcases guava puree, strawberry and rose water flavors. This is a serious Rose by Fullerton. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Yamhill Valley ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- This wine begins with guava and strawberry aromas, leading to a lively acidity and smooth mouthfeel. Light red cherry and red raspberry flavors complete this refreshing wine that is in need of a hot summer day. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Airlie Rose- This deep coloreds Rose starts off with rose petals and wild mushroom on the nose. Highly poised and downright delicious, the wine delivers red cherry candy, watermelon and gran-raspberry flavors. Bright and intense, this is an outstanding effort. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Child’s Play Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this outstanding wine shows off red currant, red cherry and guava puree aromatics. Beautifully balanced and slightly sweet, this shows a dazzling minerality with bright red fruit flavors and a touch of orange rind towards the back end. Superstar winemaker Tony Rynders has absolutely nailed this Rose. Grab this impossible to resist Rose by the case while you can. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Goodfellow Rose- Pale in color, with an orange hue, the wine shows off pretty tangerine and guava aromatics. Bright, with a good astringency, the wine shows off lemon zest, kumquat and bright watermelon flavors. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Gran Moraine Rose- This limited release Rose is a striking effort from this estate. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this starts off with wild mushroom, red cherry and guava on the nose. The palate reveals a silky texture, leading to ripe strawberry, guava and cran-raspberry flavors. Crisp and delightful for a hot summer day, this outstanding effort shows both lovely poise, elegance and weight from this exciting vintage in the Willamette Valley. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2017 Toil Rose- Coming off the sterling 2016 Rose, the 2017 Toil Rose is another spectacular effort by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. This shows off a beautiful orange-pink hue with rose petal, blood orange rind and a touch of honeysuckle on the nose. The mouthfeel is simply gorgeous, as the wine reveals wonderful rose water, red cherry puree, guava and cran-orange flavors. Delicate, refreshing, and downright delicious, this is up there with the best Rose wines in the northwest and is nearly impossibly to resist right now. Drink 2018-2024- 93
2017 Raptor Ridge Rose- This Rose was actually barrel fermented for a short time. The nose has cantaloupe with wild mushroom and red fruits. Really good acidity marks the mid-palate as the silky smooth mouthfeel impresses. Candied raspberry, guava and red cherry flavors persist. This is an outstanding effort by Raptor Ridge. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Chehalem ‘Three Vineyard’ Rose- This outstanding wine shows a feminine streak. Red cherry, red currant and watermelon flavors beautifully mingle with bright acidity. The mouthfeel is excellent here. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 William Marie Rose- This deep colored wine begins with aromas of red cherry with red currant and citrus rind. The minerality here is really good, as is the balance, as red fruits dance with minerals. Slightly sweet, this is an excellent effort by William Marie. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Stoller Rose- This beautiful pale colored Rose starts off with a wonderful bouquet of rose petals, red cherry and orange rind. Bight acidity marks this outspending wine with red cherry and cran-orange flavors and a touch of guava. Bright and intense, this is an outstanding new wine by Stoller. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Willakenzie Estate Rose- Winemaker Erik Kramer has crafted this great new Pinot Noir Rose. Pretty lighter red fruit aromatics fill the glass. The plush texture really shines here. Red currant jelly, red cherry and pomegranate with a kiss of citrus rind complete this fantastic new wine. Drink 2018-2022- 91