What was once an afterthought is now one of the best selling wines in the world. Rose continue to build in national and international sales as quality continues to increase with both international and US made Rose wines. It is quite clear that the trend in sales has caused Pacific Northwest wineries to step back and better analyze how to produce a top quality Rose. Speaking to several top winemakers from Oregon and Washington, they have noted how important it is to try Rose wines from across the globe to fully focus on the style that they seek to make. For instance, Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards has mentioned to me how important it is for his Rose to age properly and in barrels for texture. Similarly, Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm has also noted how his later release Rose is very carefully constructed and then aged in the right amount of neutral oak to impart both serious range and texture.
Following up my 2018 Pacific Northwest Rose Report in which I reviewed nearly 100 Rose wines my 2019 Report encompasses over 150 Rose releases. Since I also review California wines it is clear that there are many serious, stand alone Rose wines from Oregon and Washington that can compete with any of the best Rose wines in North America, including those from famed Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast estates. Rose wines from the Pacific Northwest will only continue to rise in quality. For my report I have categorized both good value Rose wines and top scoring Rose wines. I believe my 2019 Pacific Northwest Rose report be the most comprehensive Pacific Northwest Rose report available to the consumer.
Oregon Rose wines continue to gather great momentum in the value category, none more so than the 2018 Erath Rose (WWB, 87) and the 2018 Chris James Rose (WWB, 89), as well as the 2018 Tori Mor Rose (WWB, 89), the 2018 RJ Wines ‘Beyond The Pale’ Rose (WWB, 90) and the 2018 Yamhill Valley Vineyards Rose (WWB, 89).The best canned Rose wine that I reviewed was the NV Wines by Joe Rose (WWB, 87) which offers significant value for a mere eight dollars. I was quite impressed with the top Rose wines out of Oregon in the over 20 dollar range.
Following up the extraordinarily good 2017 release, the 2018 Toil Rose (WWB, 93) is a simply magical Rose wine made by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar fame. This wine has just incredible range and tension in the wine. Just as good was Brian Marcy’s 2018 Big Table Farm Rose (WWB, 93) which shows a seamless texture and dazzling depth on the mid-palate. Other beautiful Rose wines were crafted by Child’s Play, Gran Moraine, Fairsing Vineyard, and Amity Vineyards.
Washington also offers some excellent value Rose, including the new 2018 Rose by Chateau St. Michelle (WWB, 89), as well as the 2018 Charles and Charles Rose (WWB, 88) which both impress at under ten dollars. Also look to the impressive 2018 Maryhill Rose (WWB, 89), the 2018 Board Track Racer ‘The Vincent’ Rose (WWB, 89) as well as the brilliant 2018 Purple Star Rose (WWB, 90) which is a gorgeous new wine that is not to be missed. Finally, the most stunning values in this price category include the 2018 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose (WWB, 92) as well as the 2018 Upchurch Vineyards ‘LTL’ Rose (WWB, 92) which are downright steals at this price point. These are wines to purchase by the case.
Amongst the top scoring Rose wines out of Washington, famed winemaker Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards crafts his simply stunning ‘Edith’ Rose which was released late and comes from the warm, 2016 vintage (WWB, 93), offering insanely good range and complexity. The sensational winemaking team of Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss create the 2018 Gramercy Cellars Rose (WWB, 92) is one of the best that I have sampled this year, showing wonderful refinement and texture. This one has a very Provencale, Domaine Tempier feel. Just as good was the 2018 DeLille Cellars Rose (WWB, 92) which is a gorgeous Rhone style bottling by superstar winemaker Jason Gorski that offers wonderful richness and mid-palate range. Also do not miss out on new 2018 Rose wines by Cote Bonneville, Avennia, Matthews, EFESTE, Andrew Will and Den Hoed. Cheers to you all from us at Washington Wine Blog as I hope you enjoy a wonderful, Rose-filled summer.
Oregon
Top Values ($20.00 and under)
2018 A to Z Rose- The good value 2017 A to Z Rose offers extremely light tones both aromatically and on the palate. Fresh and lithe, enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2019-2021- 86
2018 Adelsheim Rose- The 2018 Adelshiem Rose shows off a brilliant salmon hue and opens with bright melon and wet stone tones with lighter red fruits that fill the nose. The palate takes on a ton of lip-smacking acidity, revealing bright cranberry and honeydew melon flavors that connect with the good sense of minerality. This is highly refreshing and needs a warm summer night. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Argyle Rose- Showing off a brilliant Salmon hue, the 2018 Rose by Argyle opens with pretty rose water with honeydew melon, red cherry and wet stone tones that fill the nose. The wine comes together with strong citrus zest tones on the palate that collide with the delicate red fruits. Drink 2019-2023- 89
2018 Child’s Play Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2018 Child’s Play Rose sings out with intense red cherry, guava, strawberry and melon tones on the nose. The combination of freshness and texture is marvelous as superstar winemaker Tony Rynders captures a brilliant sense of mouthfeel and bright minerality. Red fruits dance with minerals and citrus zest flavors on the palate. While delightful now, I can see this cellaring well over the next seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2018 Chris James Cellars Rose- The 2018 Chris James Rose opens with bright citrus rind and melon tones that fill the glass. I love the freshness of the wine that shines through as this delivers pretty red fruits that connect with rose water and minerals on the palate. Drink 2019-2024- 89
2018 Erath Rose- Quite delicate on the palate, the 2018 Erath Pinot Noir Rose has good brightness that connects with the lighter guava and red raspberry flavors. Enjoy this in its youth while the freshness remains up-front. Drink 2019-2021- 87
2018 Tori Mor Rose- Sourced from the Willamette Valley, this Pinot Noir Rose shows pretty pomegranate seed and nectarine aromatics that build in the glass. The palate has good freshness and poise with light rose water, cran-cherry and vanilla cream flavors. The finish here is very good. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 RJ Wines ‘Beyond The Pale’ Rose- The 2018 RJ Wines ‘Beyond The Pale’ Rose opens with aromas of bright red fruits that connect with lemon curd and melon undertones on the nose. The palate is silky and evokes a spirit of Provence with delicate red fruits, kumquat and an impressive mouthfeel. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Yamhill Valley Vineyards Rose- The nose has very pretty bubblegum and pink grapefruit with red cherry aromas that all connect in the glass. There is a good sense of tension in the glass with delicate red fruit and citrus rind flavors. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 William Rose ‘Prohibition’ Rose- The 2018 William Rose ‘Prohibition’ Rose opens with intense aromas of guava and ripe strawberry with citrus zest accents that all connect nicely in the glass. The palate shows good freshness and intensity with a wonderful sense of minerality that melds with lighter red fruit and citrus tones. Drink 2019-2023- 89
NV Wines by Joe ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir (.375L Can)- The NV Wines by Joe ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir shows good concentration on the nose with red and dark fruits alongside smoky undertones. Forward and juicy, the wine shows red fruit flavors with citrus rind and earthy undertones. While this comes off a bit astringent, it is the best canned wine out of Oregon I have sampled. Drink 2019-2022- 87
Top Wines (over $20.00)
2018 Amity Vineyards Rose- This pale colored Rose opens with a bouquet of light red fruits with melon tones that round out nose. This has marvelous intensity on the palate with bright minerals that connect with lighter red fruit and citrus rind tones. Highly bright and acid-driven, this really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2018 Bells Up ‘Prelude’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Prelude’ Rose shows off a deep hue, unveiling bright red cherry, guava and orange zest aromas that build in the glass. The palate shows a refreshing edge with lip-smacking acidity that connects with the delicious red fruit and blood orange flavors. Complex and delicious now, enjoy this over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2018 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose by Big Table Farm was aged in neutral oak barrels prior to being released in mid-April 2019. Showing off its rich, dark hue, the 2018 ‘Laughing Pig’ opens with serious aromatic range from shades of honeydew melon to citrus rind and copious ripe red fruits that all connect in the glass. The palate shows a silly texture and weight, yet retains a wonderful sense of elegance. Bright guava, nectarine, and cran-pomegranate with red cherry candy flavors collide with the bright sense of minerality. The exceedingly long finish accentuates this simply gorgeous new Rose. While delightful in its youth, this will cellar well for the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 93
2018 Chehalem Rose- Sourced from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2018 Chehalem Rose opens with delicate red fruits that connect with minerals and shades of wet stone on the nose. The palate shows wonderful texture and a soft mouthfeel, delivering very delicate red fruit flavors with a touch of wild mushroom. This highly gratifying and subtle Rose is best enjoyed in the short-term while the great degree of poise remains. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Dobbes Family Estates Rose- The Dobbes Family Estates Rose shows light red fruit aromatics with wild mushroom and wet stone undertones. The palate reveals a soft texture with light red fruit flavors and a smooth, vanilla and cream driven finish. This is a solid effort. Drink 2019-2023- 89
2018 Domaine Divio Rose- Sourced from a host of Willamette Valley Vineyards, the 2018 Domaine Divio Rose opens with ripe melon with peat moss and red fruits that all mingle in the glass. The palate has good freshness with a soft texture, as delicate red fruits connect with the bright sense of minerality. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Edgefield ‘Umbrella Jimmy’ Rose- The ‘Umbrella Jimmy’ Rose starts off with bright red fruits with citrus rind undertones. The palate has good astringency and texture with delicate red fruit flavors that collide with the minerals. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Elizabeth Chambers Rose- The nose offers intrigue with flinty tones that set alongside red fruits and shades of mandarin orange rind. The smooth texture exudes class as delicate red fruits dance with minerals and hints of nutmeg. This is very well-made. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Gran Moraine Rose- The 2018 Gran Moraine Rose is an awesome new effort from this great Yamhill-Carlton estate. On the nose this shows off very light citrus and red fruit aromas that improve with some air. The palate errs towards brightness, rather than richness, as the wine reveals a wonderful feel of minerality, with delicate red fruits and lemon rind flavors. Drink 2019-2022- 90
2018 Fairsing Vineyard Rose- Crafted from Pinot Noir clones Dijon 777 and Pommard, the 2018 Fairsing Vineyard Rose is a delight to savor on a hot summer day. It starts off with bright strawberry, rose water and citrus rind aromatics. The palate unveils a silky texture that exudes class. Strawberries and cream, kumquat and cantaloupe flavors all collide on the palate. Delicious now, this will cellar well over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2018 King Estate Rose- The 2018 King Estate Rose, made from Pinot Noir grapes, starts off with a bouquet of rose water with red cherry candy and guava that fill the nose. The palate is lithe with beautiful astringency. Red currant, red cherry and guava with a touch of citrus rind connect with the beautiful sense of minerality on the palate. Enjoy this outstanding new Rose with sushi. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Lachini Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2018 Lachini Rose opens with bright strawberry and melon tones that fill the glass. The palate is vibrant and shows a great sense of tension, unveiling delicate red fruits with rose water and lighter earthy undertones. This is seriously good. Enjoy in its youth while the wonderful freshness remains. Drink 2019-2022- 90
2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Vineyard Select’ Rose- The salmon colored Rose opens with aromas of nectarine, guava and ripe strawberry that all collect in the glass. The palate has really good freshness with bright lemon zest, red fruit and melon tones that all impress. This is perfect for a hot summer day on the patio. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Sokol Blosser Rose- The 2018 Sokol Blosser Rose opens with bright guava and lemon zest aromas that build in the glass. The palate is bright, delivering lighter red fruits that dance with citrus infused water and wet stone on the palate. I think this would pair nicely with sushi. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Saffron Fields Rose- The 2018 Saffron Fields Rose comes off with beautiful aromas of red cherry, guava and bright strawberry with wet stone undertones that build in the glass. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine is downright impressive as bright red fruits collide with minerals and citrus rind tones on the palate. This is a serious, stand-alone Rose by the talented Tony Rynders. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2018 Stoller Rose- Sourced from a host of Willamette Valley Vineyards, the 2018 Stoller Rose opens with very pretty aromatics of red rose petals, guava and cran-cherry, with lighter earthy undertones that all build on the nose. The palate has wonderful freshness and a lithe minerality. Light red fruits dance with citrus rind and minerals on the palate. Highly refreshing, this really needs a hot summer day, as this excellent new wine would pair marvelously with a host of foods, most notably fresh oysters. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Toil Oregon Rose- The nose is quite compelling once in the glass, as this beautiful Pinot Noir Rose awakens to unveil pink grapefruit blossom, rose water and red cherry candy aromatics that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows a beautiful texture and weight as this silky, stand along Rose shows a flair of Provence. Blood orange, guava puree and Meyer lemon zest flavors with lighter suggestions of peat moss combine with lip smacking acidity on the palate. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Exceedingly good, highly poised and satisfying, this classy effort will be enjoyed over the next eight years, picking up tertiary notes as it ages. Drink 2019-2025- 93
2018 WillaKenzie Estate Rose- The 2018 WillaKenzie Estate Rose shows off a pretty pale hue and opens with a bouquet of rose water with guava and bright cran-cherry aromatics. Showing bright acidity, the wine has a wonderful citrus astringency that connects with the red fruit flavors. Downright delicious, enjoy this over the next several years. Drink 2019-2022- 90
Washington
Top Values ($20.00 and under):
2018 Brook & Bull Rose-This excellent GSM style Rose shows rose petals, red currant jelly and citrus rind on the nose. Lithe and refreshing, this shows delicate red fruits with white rose and orange rind flavors. Enjoy this over the next few years. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Board Track Racer ‘The Vincent’ Rose- The 2018 ‘The Vincent’ Rose is a refreshing style that shows good minerality on the mid-palate. With delicate red fruits and a touch of blood orange, this is a very good value at fifteen dollars. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Rose- The 2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Estates Rose is another seriously good value wine made by this talented winemaking team. The nose shows red cherry bubblegum candy, with suggestions of ripe strawberry and guava aromatics to follow. The texture is seriously good as this wine delivers medium-bodied red fruit, citrus zest and melon with wet stone flavors. This is very well-made. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Charles and Charles Rose- Lightly colored, the 2018 Charles and Charles Rose shows very straightforward lighter red fruit flavors with a nice combination off weight and freshness once on the palate. I can imagine how brilliantly this fruity Rose would pair with fresh oysters. Drink 2019-2022- 88
2018 Columbia Winery Rose- The 2018 Columbia Winery is sourced from Horse Heaven Hills Grenache. The nose is quite pretty with red rose petals that connect with wet stone and citrus tones on the nose. While this comes off a touch sweet, there is a good sense of brightness in this good value Rose. Drink 2019-2022- 88
2018 Coyote Canyon Rose- This 100% Barbera Rose opens with light red fruits with citrus oil and peat moss undertones. Bright and showing a good astringency, the wine unveils delicate red cherry and guava flavors with citrus zest and wet stone undertones. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Frog Kisser Wines Rose- The 2018 Frog Kisser Wines Rose starts off with bright red fruits that dance with flinty undertones on the nose. The palate has good freshness with very delicate melon and citrus rind with ripe raspberry tones. Drink 2019-2023- 89
2018 Helix Rose- The 2018 Hellix Rose is made from Sangiovese grapes sourced from the Columbia Valley. Light citrus rind tones and red fruits mark the nose. The palate shows good acidity with light cran-cherry, orange zest and wet stone character. Enjoy this in its youth. Drink 2019-2022- 88
2018 Lagana Cellars ‘Breezy Slope Vineyard’ Rose- Sourced from the ‘Breezy Slope Vineyard’ which is one of the few plantings of Pinot Noir in the Walla Walla Valley AVA, the wine begins with lighter red fruits that combine with wild mushroom and wet stone on the nose. The palate shows a soft texture and unveils gobs of mouth-watering acidity that combine with the lighter red fruit and melon tones on the palate. This is best served a touch warmer in a Burgundy glass. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ is another outstanding release by superstar winemaker Giles Nicault. Made entirely from Pinot Gris grapes, this shows an amazing range of aromas from white peach to white rose petals to cran-cherry and lighter citrus tones that round out the nose. Lithe, and light on its feet, this shows off an incredible, silky texture that entices. Cran-cherry, bright strawberry and guava flavors connect with the great sense of minerality. Like most releases of this wine, it expresses a beautiful combination of weight and tension. Enjoyable now, this will continue to cellar over the next five years. Drink 2019-2024- 92
2018 Maryhill Rose- Made from Sangiovese grapes, this starts off with nice bubblegum, red cherry and pomegranate seed aromas. The palate shows good freshness and a kiss of sweetness with bright guava, citrus zest and red cherry candy flavors. This is a seriously good value. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Metropolian Market ‘Rose No, 12’ Rose- This starts off with bright red fruits with citrus rind accents on the nose. The palate is fresh with lighter red fruits and a touch of wet stone with lemon zest. Enjoy this in the short-term. It is generally hard to find a wine of the quality at this price point. Drink 2019-2022- 87
2018 Pearl and Stone Rose- The 2018 Pearl and Stone Rose impresses most notably with its soft and silky texture that entices. With excellent mouth-watering acidity, the wine delivers lighter red fruits with watermelon and bubble gum flavors that connect with the good sense of acidity on the palate. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Purple Star Rose- The unique aromatics grip you with peat moss and wild mushroom tones that combine with delicate red fruits all mingling on the nose. The palate has good freshness and balance, with a silky texture. Bright pear, starfruit, and ripe strawberry flavors all connect with the bright sense of minerality. This is a serious value. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Renegade Wine Company Rose- The 2018 Renegade Wine Company Rose is a blend of mostly Syrah (72%) and begins with smoky undertones that connect with the citrus zest and ripe raspberry aromas. The palate shows good, bright acidity with delicate red fruits that dance with the minerals. Drink 2019-2022- 88
2018 Revelry Vintners Rose- Made from both Grenache and Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2018 Revelry Vintners shows best quite cool, while the brightness of the wine shines. With light red fruit flavors that connect with the minerals, enjoy this refreshing style Rose with sushi. Drink 2019-2022- 88
2018 Seven Hills Rose- The 2018 Seven Hills Rose is another outstanding new bottling from the talented Casey McClellan. A blend of primarily Cabernet Franc (82%) this was sourced from the McClellan Estate, Den Hoed, Walla Walla Valley and Gamache Vineyards. Bright and crisp, the Rose reveals rose water, citrus blossom and delicate red fruits that fill the nose. The palate shows good intensity and a lively minerality with red cherry, strawberry and guava flavors with a touch of Mandarin orange rind. Enjoy this brilliant new effort in the short-term. Drink 2019-2022- 91
2018 Sin Banderas Rose- This great new Rose is made from Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsault, all sourced from the Yakima Valley. On the nose this starts off with rose water with guava and red cherry preserves. The palate has good freshness with light red berry flavors and a touch of starfruit and melon with the lightest kiss of sweetened orange rind. This is very good range here. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2018 Sleight of Hand ‘Magician’s Assistant’ Rose- Entirely sourced from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2018 ‘Magician’s Assistant’ Rose entices with its silky texture and wonderful earthy tones that combine with bright red fruits. The vibrant minerality also truly shines in this excellent new release. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Spring Run Rose- The 2018 Spring Run Rose shows good brightness on the nose with bubblegum and. guava puree with light citrus rind aromas that round out the nose. The palate has a kiss of sweetness that connects with the nice texture in the wine. Bright red fruits dance with minerals on the palate. Drink 2019-2023- 89
2018 Swiftwater Cellars ‘No. 9’ Rose- The 2018 Swiftwater Cellars ‘No. 9’ Rose shows very light red fruit aromas with shades of wild mushroom that all fill the nose. The soft texture is really good as guava puree, vanilla cream and sweetened melon flavors all combine nicely once in the glass. This is an excellent effort showing a good sense of purity by Andrew Wiesniewski. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Three Forks Rose- Sourced from the Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard, this brightly colored Pinot Gris Rose opens with a bouquet of rose petals with red cherry candy and bright guava that all delight once in the glass. The palate has a wonderful combination of mouthfeel and freshness. Lighter red fruits connect with the citrus rind tones in the mouth. Bright, yet showing some good weight, this is best enjoyed over the next five years. Drink 2019-2024- 89
2018 Upsidedown Wine Rose- One of the few Rose wines made from Nebbiolo grapes, this is a simply fantastic new effort by the talented Seth Kitzke. On the nose this shows really good range from pink bubblegum to melon and bright citrus zest tones that all impress. The palate shows a silky, almost Provencale style mouthfeel, unveiling delicate red fruits that connect with the wet stone and citrus blossom tones. Outstanding now, enjoy this a tad warmer for its full expression to truly shine. Drink 2019-2023- 91
2018 Upchurch Vineyard ‘LTL’ Rose- The texture to this downright sexy style of Boushey Vineyard Grenache Rose immediately grabs your attention. Soft and ripe, with a silky mouthfeel, the Grenache Rose shows really good mid-palate range, weight and astringency with beautiful guava, strawberry and bing cherry with shades of Mandarin orange rind flavors. The earthy tones and great sense of minerality add to this fantastic new bottling by eminent winemaker Chris Upchurch. This is seriously good value for the price. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 Vital Wines Rose- The 2018 Vital Wines Rose is an intriguing blend of 85% Sangiovese, 8% Cinsaut, 6% Mourvedre with a touch of Counoise. Red fruits and red rose aromatics dominate the nose with lighter citrus rind undertones. Bright, showing a lovely soft mouthfeel, the wine impresses with its silky texture. A downright steal, showing copious red fruits and sterling acidity, enjoy this on a hot summer day. Drink 2019-2023- 90
Top Wines (over $20.00):
2018 Amavi Rose- The 2018 Amavi Rose is a stunning new wine made by Jean-Francois Pellet. Highly perfumed on the nose, this takes on bright starfruit, kiwi and strawberry puree aromas that all collide in the glass. The palate shows a beautiful, soft texture. White peach, guava and suggestions of teaberry with cran-cherry accents round out this outstanding, stand alone Rose. Enjoy this at a slightly warmer temperature for more complexity. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 Ambassador Wines of Washington Rose- Made from estate fruit, the 2018 Rose by Ambassador shows a pretty salmon hue and opens with a bouquet of red currant with ripe strawberry and citrus rind accents that fill the nose. Bright, showing a wonderful texture and sense of minerality, the wine unveils a great combination of weight and tension once in the mouth. Seriously delicious with its red fruits, citrus tones and salinity, the 2018 Ambassador Rose is exceedingly difficult to put down in its youth. Drink 2019-2023- 91
2018 Andrew Will ‘Cuvee Lucia’ Rose- Sourced from the Two Blondes Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, the 2018 Rose by Andrew Will opens with intense aromas of red raspberry cordial, green apple and shades of wild mushroom with citrus blossom that round out this beautiful bouquet. The texture entices as ripe strawberry and melon tones combine with citrus blossom accents. Refined and elegant, yet showing good richness, this outstanding new release is irresistible right now. Drink 2019-2024- 92
2018 Avennia ‘L’Egerie’ Rose- The term ‘L’Egerie’ is French for ‘muse’ as Chris Peterson has crafted another stunning new Rose wine, blending 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvedre. Showing off its beautiful pale color, the wine opens with really good aromatic range, from salted Marcona almond to ripe strawberry, as well as melon and shades of Mandarin orange zest that all combine on the nose. The silky texture truly entices and collects momentum with the wonderful bright minerality of the wine. Elegant, yet showing good depth, the wine unveils bright red raspberry, strawberry and honeydew melon flavors that connect with the great sense of minerality. This finishes extremely long. Try to get your hands on this while it lasts. Drink 2019-2026- 92
2018 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Abacadabra’ Rose- The 2018 Brian Carter Cellars ‘Abacadabra’ Rose opens with pretty rose water and pink grapefruit blossom aromas that build in the glass. The palate has good freshness with sweetened strawberry, guava and melon tones on the palate. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 Bledsoe Family Wines ‘Healy’ Rose- Showing good brightness and texture, the ‘Healy’ Rose impresses with its delicate red fruit and citrus zest flavors that connect with minerals. Bright and lovely in its youth, enjoy this over the next several years. Drink 2019-2022- 90
2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- This Rose wine is sourced from blocks near the ‘God Only Knows Grenache’ in the Armada Vineyard. The Rose is actually named after Christophe’s favorite French singer. This warm vintage Rose weighs in at only 12.2% alcohol and was aged in both concrete and stainless steel. This starts off with aromas of white peach, red rose and red cherry candy with a touch of guava. There is a lighter stony quality to the nose that delights. A compete wine, this shows wonderful astringency and mouthfeel, as well as salinity. There is a great combination of citrus fruits, melon and red fruits on the palate with a wonderful long finish. I can imagine that this will cellar marvelously over the next decade as it will build wonderful tertiary notes. Drink 2019-2028- 93
2018 Cote Bonneville Rose- The 2018 Cote Bonneville Rose is another stellar effort by the talented Kerry Shiels. The wine starts with pretty aromatics that entice as rose water and beautiful red fruits with citrus rind accents fill the nose. Polished and refined, the wine has a silky texture and a generous mouthfeel. Guava, red cherry candy, and blood orange flavors give this an exotic edge. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 DAMA Wines Rose- The 2018 DAMA Wines Rose is another splendid effort from the talented Mary Derby and follows up her seriously good 2017 bottling. Very light in the glass, the wine unveils high-toned lemon zest and guava puree with red currant aromatics that impress once in the glass. The palate shows really good refinement as there is a Provencale feel to this beautiful new Rose bottling. Hints of pear and starfruit line red fruit and lemon zest flavors on the palate. Showing some really good range, this beautiful wine is gorgeous in its youth. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2018 Den Hoed ‘Cinsault Wallula Vineyard’ Rose- Sourced from the esteemed Wallula Vineyard, this wine opens with light red fruits with wild mushroom and wet stone undertones on the nose. The palate shows a seriously good texture as the wine shows off bright strawberry and guava flavors with wet stone accents — all leading to the exceedingly long, strawberry cream and mineral-driven finish. Simply put, this is a stunning new wine by Den Hoed. Drink 2019-2024- 92
2018 DeLille Cellars Rose- The 2018 DeLille Cellars Rose follows up the hugely impressive 2017 release. A blend of Grenache (52%) with Mourvedre (39%) and a touch of Cinsault (9%), the 2018 DeLille Rose opens with a wonderful aromatic range from red currant to red cherry candy to shades of teaberry and wild mushroom with lighter smoky undertones that all build in the glass. The palate reveals a silky mouthfeel and wonderful texture and mouth-watering acidity. Bright strawberry and guava flavors greet you, alongside lighter citrus rind and peat moss tones that all connect on the mid-palate. Satisfying and wonderfully textured, this sensational new Rose will cellar well for the next seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 Devison Vintners ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Rose- This fantastic new release by the talented Peter Devison shows delicate red fruits with kiwi, cantaloupe and earthy undertones that combine on the nose. The palate reveals a silky texture, unveiling a good range of lighter red fruits, melon and wet stone flavors. This is refined, Provencale style Rose. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2018 Dunham Cellars Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, this is an absolutely stunning new showing by Dunham. Aromatically quite bright, this displays really good range from orange blossom to kiwi to bubblegum and bright watermelon aromatics that meld in the glass. The palate reveals an impressive texture that coats the mid-palate. The palate also offers generous range from starfruit to cantaloupe and ripe red fruits that connect with shades of damp earth. A stunning new bottling, this is best enjoyed in its youth but has the weight to cellar well over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 EFESTE ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose is a simply stunning new bottling by the talented Mark Fiore. On the nose this takes on beautiful citrus blossom with green papaya and watermelon notes that come together marvelously in the glass. The Rose combines fantastic minerality with a silky texture that entices on the palate. Bright citrus rind with red fruits dominate the palate. An outstanding effort, this fantastic new release will be best enjoyed over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2024- 92
2018 Eternal Wines ‘Eternal Beauty’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Eternal Beauty’ Rose reveals very delicate red fruits that connect with nice earthy undertones on the nose. The palate has good freshness and verve, showing light rose water, citrus zest and watermelon flavors that come together with the good sense of minerality. Drink 2019-2023- 89
2018 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Grand Klasse’ Rose is a blend of Lawrence Vineyard Grenache with just a hint of Mourvedre. On the nose this silky wine takes on bright red fruit and citrus rind tones with light stony character that build in the glass. The texture imparted is every bit outstanding, as is the delicate red fruit flavors leading to the long, creamy and mineral-driven finish. Drink 2019-2023- 91
2018 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose- Sourced from the esteemed ‘Olsen Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley, this wine is a compelling blend of 47% Cinsault with 27% Grenache and 26% Syrah. Pretty red rose and watermelon with orange blossom and shades of white pepper aromatics all build in the glass. The palate unveils a silky texture and a rich, gratifying mouthfeel. Once in the mouth, bright guava, strawberry and lighter earthy and wet stone undertones round out this downright delicious Rose. While beautiful in its youth, this impressive effort will cellar well over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Alder Ridge Vineyard’ Rose- Sourced from the Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, this Grenache based Rose shows very pretty aromatics reminiscent of white rose, ripe guava and strawberry aromas with lighter earthy tones that fill the glass. The texture to this wine is seriously good, as is the sense of bright minerality. Red fruits and vanilla cream undertones dance with minerals on the palate. This is seriously good. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2018 Matthews Rose- The 2018 Matthews Rose is another beautiful new wine by the talented Aryn Morell. The wine opens with a bright bouquet of red cherry, ripe kiwi, guava and suggestions of wild mushroom. The palate reveals a kiss of sweetness and a wonderfully soft texture. Red currant jelly, ripe strawberry and cran-orange flavors round out this awesome new Rose. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 Pahto Rose- Sourced from the Columbia Gorge AVA, this pale colored Rose opens with a bouquet of rose petals, wild mushroom and hints of Granny Smith apple. The palate has a seriously goods texture and wonderful astringency. Delicate red fruit flavors mingle with blood orange and wet stone tones. Seriously good right now, this will continue to develop over the next five to seven years. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Pursued By Bear ‘Blushing Bear’ Rose- A blend of 50% Mourvedre with the remainder Grenache and Cinsault, this pale colored Rose opens with a bright bouquet of white rose, red cherry and bubblegum with smoky undertones. The palate unveils a gorgeous texture that coats the mouth. Bright citrus fruits mingle with cranberry, ripe strawberry and guava flavors. This finishes long with cream and minerals. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2018 Rotie Cellars Rose- This beautiful new Rose by the talented Sean Boyd shows intense strawberry, watermelon and guava puree that amalgamate on the nose. The palate shows a good combination of bright acidity and sweetened red fruits with citrus rind tones that round out this excellent new Rose. The long finish adds to the enjoyment. While this may come off a touch sweet for some, the overall presentation from its range to finish is pretty impressive. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2018 Shining Hill Rose- The 2018 Shining Hill Rose opens with bright citrus zest, pomegranate and red cherry aromas that all combine nicely in the glass. The texture delights as copious red fruits dance with minerals, citrus zest and earthy undertones. This is a really good effort. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2018 Syncline Rose- The 2018 Syncline Rose is made in the highly refreshing style, showing a very light and delicate red fruit flavor profile with shades of mushroom and orange rind. Enjoy this in the short-term for its wonderful tension. Drink 2019-2022- 90
2018 Tertulia Cellars Rose- The texture imparted here is really fantastic as this balanced, yet viscous Rose shows copious red fruits with melon undertones. A fantastic effort by winemaker Ryan Raber, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2018 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose is a fabulous effort by the talented Ali Mayfield. On the nose this yields nice complexity with hints of blood orange that line bright red fruits with wet stone undertones. The palate shows a silky mouthfeel, unveiling bright kiwi, red raspberry puree and cran-pomegranate flavors that combine with a wonderful texture and sense of minerality. Drink 2019-2023- 91
2018 Time & Direction Rose- Showing a very light hue, the 2018 Time & Direction Rose was sourced from Columbia Valley Grenache vines. The wine shows shows a gorgeous texture with delicate red fruits and crisp acidity on the palate. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2018 Tranche Rose- This highly refreshing style Rose opens with a bouquet of bubblegum and bright red fruits that all build in the glass. The palate shows a refined texture with light red fruits that collide minerals and lighter earthy tones. Drink 2019-2022- 90
2018 W.T. Vintners ‘Parasol’ Rose- Sourced from a new Columbia Gorge AVA vineyard for the talented Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen, the 2018 Pinot Noir Rose opens with rose petals with delicate red fruits and blood orange zest that connects on the nose. The texture here really shines and provides a seamless quality to the wine. Sour red cherry candy, guava and ripe Mandarin orange with a slight salinity. This is fantastic stuff. Drink 2019-2023- 91